Two Dead After Oil Change Goes Wrong In New Mexico
Two O’Reilly Auto Parts employees lost their lives in Albuquerque earlier this month after what began as a dispute over an oil filter turned violent.
Authorities say the confrontation left 18-year-old Jesus Valdez and 47-year-old Richard Newman dead, following a shooting on September 14.
According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the store around 5:10 p.m. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other later succumbed to injuries. Investigators quickly identified 27-year-old Ismael Rene Tena as the suspect.
Local reports allege the incident began when Tena attempted to exchange an oil filter and demanded additional motor oil, claiming the wrong oil filter had caused the original engine oil to be wasted because the filter didn't fit right. When store staff refused, Tena allegedly left the store carrying two containers of oil without paying.
What should have been a routine customer-service issue escalated into a violent confrontation—Valdez and Newman reportedly followed him outside, where shots were fired. Tena claimed he acted in self-defense, though deputies say there's no evidence of injuries consistent with his claims.
Tena has been charged with two counts of murder and remains in custody as the case moves forward. This is just another reason why you should always use OEM oil filters.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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That has to be the most hate-filled statement I have seen in a long time. Two men killed and you make a joke about it.
I have never used an OEM filter on my 55, 50, & 30 year old cars( the latter being a 3000gt) & have never had an oil filter leak or motor issue & they are all still running with the original motors & no repairs. I have used 4 different size oil filters all approved for my 55 year old chevy & none have ever leaked.
Reading the headline here, i initially thought the vehicle fell on them. I should have known better - the way things are today. I wonder if anyone ever bought an oil filter from Rockauto & the filter number LISTED ON THE WEBSITE for a particular make/model/engine was wrong. & if O'Reilly's website listed the wrong oil filter # for the vehicle in this article.
Not a bad idea to write down the auto parts store oil filt # from their website & double ck the box you get & the part # that IN the box. & then compare the new oil filter with the old one BEFORE installing. Too bad ALL vehicles since the 1950s don't use the same size oil filter & other common parts!
Today's AC Delco oil filters & other parts are made overseas & are nothing to brag about! Even some OEM oil filters for Japanese cars are no longer made in Japan! Nor of course are many of the vehicles themselves.