A 21-year-old New Mexico man, Enrique Padilla, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting a man during an argument over reserved seating in an Albuquerque movie theater. The sentencing, issued by Judge Joseph Montaño on February 12, 2025, follows Padilla’s no-contest plea to second-degree murder and two counts of tampering with evidence. Initially facing a first-degree murder trial with a potential life sentence, Padilla accepted the plea deal to avoid a harsher penalty.
The fatal incident occurred in June 2023 at the Century Rio 24 theater in Albuquerque. According to reports from local news outlets KRQE, KOAT, and the Albuquerque Journal, the dispute began when 52-year-old Michael Tenorio and his wife requested that Padilla move one seat over so they could sit together for a screening of No Hard Feelings. A theater employee had advised the couple to make this request, as their purchased seats were separated. Although Padilla and his date initially remained seated, he later decided to leave due to feeling uncomfortable sitting next to the Tenorios.
As he was exiting, Padilla reportedly heard the Tenorios laughing and responded by throwing popcorn at them. Witnesses stated that Tenorio reacted by saying, “What the hell?” before pushing Padilla into a nearby wall. At that moment, Padilla drew a firearm and shot Tenorio multiple times, striking him in the chest, abdomen, and leg. Tenorio, an Army veteran and father of four, died at the scene. Padilla himself was also shot in the abdomen during the altercation and collapsed before being taken to the hospital.
During court proceedings, Padilla’s attorney, Nicole Moss, argued that her client was still physically weak from injuries sustained in a separate shooting in January 2023. She stated that Padilla, who had limited mobility in his left arm, felt threatened by Tenorio’s actions. She acknowledged that Padilla’s decision to throw popcorn was inappropriate but maintained that he did not anticipate being physically attacked in response.
At the sentencing, Tenorio’s family members expressed their grief and anger, calling for the maximum penalty. His sister criticized the theater’s lack of security measures, while his wife, Trina, emphasized that Tenorio was a peaceful man who never carried a concealed weapon. Padilla also addressed the court, offering an apology for his actions.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and security in public spaces.
