An Albuquerque man was shot and killed last week in what police think could be a justifiable homicide.
The shooting occurred just north of the intersection of 12th and Mountain where a memorial now sits for the victim, Carlos Romero.
“My uncle opened up his doors to a lot of people,” a niece of Romero told KOB. “You know, if they were ever hungry, come in and eat and grab you a chair. Let’s have a beer, whatever.”
The niece who did not want to be identified said this area of town doesn’t experience a lot of crime and violence. “It’s a community and you know people here, they all talk and wave at each other,” she said.
According to KOB, police were at the scene Monday afternoon after receiving reports of a confrontation and shooting. “I tried calling my uncle, first call, to see if he was OK, because the cops were here,” she said. “He didn’t answer and then later I got the news that he had passed.”
Police told KOB a confrontation broke out between Romero and the shooter, who was taken into custody. Police said the shooter might have acted in self-defense, which could lead to a possible justifiable homicide. The case remains under investigation and could lead to the third justifiable homicide of the year.
“I’ve thought about moving away from Albuquerque because of all the violence,” Romero’s niece told KOB. “The only thing that keeps me here is my son and my grandkids, my mom, my dad, my family.”
Those wishing to assist the family with funeral arrangements and visit their GoFundMe account.