Joseph Taz Borja was 29 and living unhoused in Albuquerque when he was found dead at Bicycle Park at Central and Tramway on the morning of June 12, 2021. Police were called about 11:15 a.m.; officers found Borja pale and cold, with a gunshot wound to the head. Detectives opened a homicide investigation.

Witnesses in the area told police a man known in the homeless community as Q was believed responsible. One witness said a woman told Q that Borja owed her money. Another, who expressed fear for their safety, said Q approached Borja while he slept, struck him with a beer bottle, dragged him onto concrete, kicked him, then shot him in the head with a Derringer pistol.

Investigators identified Q as 27-year-old Quentin Salazar. An officer who spoke with Salazar during the initial response had noted he appeared to be hiding something in his waistband. On June 24 police located Salazar, found a .38 special handgun, and arrested him on outstanding felony warrants; Salazar denied involvement in the killing and requested an attorney. In August Salazar was arrested and charged with an open count of murder; the case was then moving through the courts.

If anyone knew Joseph Taz Borja, saw him in Albuquerque that spring, or has information about what happened at Bicycle Park, please come forward.