ALBUQUERQUE, NM — In what can only be described as a senseless act of violence, 19-year-old Roman Valenciano lost his life on March 26, 2026, during a road rage incident that has left his family, friends, and community in shock.
The tragic killing of Roman, who was shot while driving to pick up his mother from work, has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger.
As the investigation unfolds, 31-year-old Cecilio Lopez Sanchez has been arrested and charged with the murder of the young man, who was beloved by his family and a symbol of hope for those who knew him.

The details of the incident, which occurred on San Mateo Blvd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, paint a chilling picture of a young life taken too soon.
Roman, who was driving his gray Nissan Sentra, was targeted by Lopez after a series of erratic driving behaviors that culminated in a fatal confrontation.
The attack occurred when Lopez, in a silver Ford Mustang, deliberately brake-checked Roman’s vehicle before pulling up next to him and opening fire, striking Roman in the chest.

A Mother’s Heartbreak
Roman’s mother, Deborah Valenciano, was left in disbelief when she received the call that would change her life forever.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Deborah said, her voice breaking with grief. “I was told my son was gone, and all I could do was pray for him to come back.”
She had been waiting for Roman to pick her up from work, unaware that he would never make it to her.

Her heartbreak is compounded by the fact that she had already suffered the loss of her husband, Juan Valenciano, who passed away just the year before from complications related to cancer.
“Because I lost my husband, I haven’t fully grieved for him, and now my son,” Deborah said, her eyes filled with sorrow.
The emotional toll of losing both her husband and her son in such a short period of time has left Deborah in an unimaginable state of despair.

Roman’s tragic death occurred just minutes from home, and his family has been left searching for answers ever since.
The loss of a young life taken so suddenly and violently has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
“Roman was a bright, caring, and loving person,” said Deborah. “He was everything to us. He was our world, and now he’s gone.”

A Chilling Road Rage Incident
The details of the incident have left many asking how such an act of violence could unfold over something as trivial as road rage.
It all started when Roman was driving his car, preparing to meet his mother, when Lopez, driving a silver Ford Mustang, began to tailgate and brake erratically in front of him.
According to the criminal complaint, the two vehicles were involved in a confrontation that escalated rapidly.

The complaint states that Lopez repeatedly brake-checked Roman’s car, which led to a tense moment of frustration.
Surveillance footage captured the Mustang making a U-turn at Phoenix Rd., pulling directly into the path of Roman’s vehicle, and then slowing down in the road, causing Roman to maneuver around it.
What followed was nothing short of terrifying — Lopez allegedly accelerated and pulled up beside Roman’s car before opening fire on him.

The shooting occurred at 1:48 p.m., and the sound of two gunshots rang through the air.
One of the bullets struck Roman in the chest, and the other exited through the driver’s side window.
Roman, bleeding and struggling to breathe, managed to slow his car to a stop in traffic before collapsing.