In the early morning hours of January 14, 2019, 24-year-old James Allen Ronquillo was shot and killed at a 24-hour Circle K on Menaul and University NE in Albuquerque. Ronquillo, a lifelong Albuquerque resident, had been picked up after his shift as a truck driver by his friend Jesus Lopez. The two stopped to buy cigarettes and to visit Lopez’s older brother, the store’s assistant manager.

Police say a man later identified as 32-year-old James Alex Chavez was loitering and causing trouble at the store. Ronquillo and Lopez helped the assistant manager try to escort Chavez off the property. Chavez reportedly pulled out a handgun and opened fire, killing Ronquillo and Lopez at the scene shortly before 2 a.m. Chavez was identified as the primary suspect and was charged with two counts of murder; he was already wanted on unrelated November charges and described by law enforcement as armed and dangerous.

Ronquillo is survived by his mother, a son and daughter, and siblings. His family held a visitation, Rosary, Mass of Christian Burial and a committal at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Does anyone who was at the Circle K that night or who knew James or his family have information to share?