In Loving Memory of Roman Valenciano
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque community is mourning the tragic loss of Roman Valenciano, 19, who was harmed Thursday in a road-rage incident on San Mateo Boulevard. Roman, a young man with his whole life ahead of him, was driving to pick up his mother after work when his life was tragically cut short.
According to Albuquerque Police Department reports, the incident occurred around 1:45 p.m., when surveillance video captured a silver Ford Mustang making a U-turn near the intersection of San Mateo Boulevard and Phoenix Road. The Mustang reportedly turned into the path of Roman’s gray Nissan Sentra, brake-checked his vehicle, and stopped in the road. Detectives say the driver of the Mustang, Cecilio Lopez, 31, then pulled alongside Roman and fired at least two rounds, consistent with a ShotSpotter alert in the area.
Authorities quickly began tracking the Mustang, which returned to the area multiple times after the shooting. Investigators later learned that Lopez had taken the Mustang to a body shop to repaint it black in an attempt to conceal evidence. License-plate readers and diligent detective work eventually led to his identification and arrest. Lopez, who was on probation for a prior felony conviction, has been charged with an open count of murder, tampering with evidence, shooting at or from a motor vehicle resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Roman Valenciano is remembered as a devoted son, a caring family member, and a young man with boundless potential. His sudden and senseless death has left his family, friends, and community in deep grief. Those who knew Roman speak of his kind nature, his bright spirit, and the joy he brought to those around him.
In this heartbreaking moment, the Albuquerque community comes together to honor Roman’s memory, offering support to his family and sharing in their sorrow. His life, though tragically cut short, serves as a reminder of the preciousness of every day and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
Roman’s memory will live on through the love of his family, the bonds of friendship he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched. In the wake of this tragedy, the community holds onto hope for justice and continues to celebrate the life of a young man whose loss is deeply felt but whose spirit will never be forgotten.
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