Teen killed in road rage shooting during 'brake check' incident with Mustang: Police

A 31-year-old man from New Mexico is accused of taking the life of a 19-year-old driver in a road rage incident, allegedly cutting off the victim and repeatedly "brake-checking" him prior to firing shots.

Cecilio Lopez was arrested last week, facing charges including open murder, firing from or at a vehicle causing death, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm as a felon in the death of 19-year-old Roman Valenciano, according to court records.

The encounter commenced around 1:45pm Thursday on San Mateo Boulevard in the northeast part of Albuquerque, when a silver Ford Mustang — allegedly driven by Lopez — performed a U-turn, abruptly entering the path of Valenciano's gray Nissan Sentra, according to a report by local ABC station KOAT.

The Albuquerque Journal reported, based on a criminal complaint copy, that surveillance footage showed the Mustang "occasionally brake-checked" the Sentra and "came to a halt on the road" as both vehicles headed south.

As the vehicles neared a spot by Tully's restaurant, Lopez allegedly accelerated, maneuvering alongside the passenger side of Valenciano's car. 

Detectives report that at this point, gunfire broke out, with two shots fired at approximately 1:48pm, matching a ShotSpotter alert in the vicinity, as reported by local NBC affiliate KOB.

Police reported that one bullet struck Valenciano in the face, while another exited through the rear driver's side window.

Valenciano, authorities noted, had been on his way to pick up his mother from work when he slowed to a halt on the road as Lopez sped off. When officers arrived shortly after, they reportedly discovered Valenciano "slumped over" in the driver's seat, bleeding from his head. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Even though Lopez allegedly fled following the shooting, investigators claim he returned to the area multiple times to observe authorities at the scene before eventually heading home, according to ABQ Raw.

Officials identified the suspect vehicle through automated license plate readers and surveillance footage, which showed the Mustang driving beside the victim's car at the shooting time. 

Investigators also indicated that cellphone data placed Lopez at the scene during the homicide.

Later that evening, authorities stated Lopez tried to hide the vehicle’s involvement by repainting the Mustang — initially silver — to black. 

Despite the colour change, detectives identified the car by its unique wheels, spoiler, and other custom traits.

Police eventually found the vehicle at a residence in Albuquerque's North Valley, where SWAT officers executed search and arrest warrants, arresting Lopez on Friday night.