Albuquerque vigil marks one year since O’Reilly Auto Parts shooting

Family and friends held a vigil in Albuquerque on Monday night to mark one year since two O’Reilly Auto Parts employees were shot and killed. The shooting stemmed from a dispute over free containers of motor oil at the store off Coors and Blake.

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies said Ismael Tena and his father went to the store to exchange an oil filter bought earlier in the day. Deputies said Tena asked for free containers of motor oil and was told no, then grabbed them and left.

Two employees, 18-year-old Jesus Valed and 47-year-old Richard Newman, followed Tena out of the store. Deputies said Tena got a gun from his truck and shot both men, killing them.

At the vigil, June Newman, Richard Newman’s wife, spoke about the year since the shooting. “It’s hard because a year is gone and the world kept going. But for us, it’s still,” she said.

Last year, Tena pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and aggravated stalking. He is scheduled to appear in court this week.