Michael Rowe was 15 when he was fatally shot after an argument at a laundromat on San Mateo Boulevard SE in Albuquerque on the evening of Saturday, December 7, 2024. Family members remembered him as a kind, brave young man who loved fishing, video games and being outdoors, and who’d been just shy of his 16th birthday.

According to a criminal complaint and surveillance video, a verbal dispute over a washing machine between Michael, two friends and a 39-year-old woman, identified as Jamel Coriz, escalated into a five‑minute physical altercation. Coriz left and returned about six minutes later with her boyfriend, 39‑year‑old Oscar Orozco. Video shows Orozco confronting Michael inside the laundromat, chasing him into the parking lot and shooting him in the back as the teen tried to flee. Michael was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Both adults were identified from the security footage and arrested the next day; court filings state they were charged with murder and conspiracy. The judge ordered them held in custody pending trial. Michael’s family held a vigil on what would have been his birthday to mourn and honor him.

If anyone saw the confrontation or has information that could help, please come forward.