A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading no contest to the killing of another man during a dispute over reserved seats in a movie theater.
Enrique Padilla, 21, admitted to the second-degree murder of Michael Tenorio, 52, whom he shot and killed on June 25, 2023. On February 12, he stood before a judge as the victim’s family shared their grief and anger over the senseless act of violence.
The incident took place at an Albuquerque movie theater, where Padilla was attending a screening of No Hard Feelings with his girlfriend. Tenorio and his wife were also at the theater, and a confrontation began when Tenorio asked Padilla and his girlfriend to move over one seat so that he and his wife could sit together. When Padilla’s girlfriend refused, the argument escalated.
Tensions quickly turned physical when Padilla allegedly threw popcorn at Tenorio. In response, Tenorio shoved Padilla against a wall. Moments later, Padilla pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at Tenorio before fleeing the scene.
The shooting sparked panic inside the theater, where an off-duty police officer attempted to save Tenorio’s life by performing CPR. Unfortunately, Tenorio succumbed to his injuries before emergency responders arrived.
Padilla, who had fled outside after the shooting, attempted to mislead authorities by claiming he was the victim. When police arrived, body-worn camera footage showed Padilla clutching his side and telling officers, “I’ve been shot.” Believing he was injured, they transported him to a hospital, but his version of events quickly unraveled.
During his sentencing, members of Tenorio’s family addressed the court, expressing their devastation. His wife emphasized that Tenorio was a family man who never carried a weapon and did not deserve to die in such a violent manner. His sister also spoke out, condemning Padilla’s actions and criticizing the movie theater’s minimal security measures, pointing out that the only warning against firearms was a small sign that read, “No guns allowed.”
Padilla, in turn, apologized to the family, though his defense attorney maintained that the shooting was accidental. Initially charged with first-degree murder, he ultimately accepted a plea deal, reducing his sentence to 20 years rather than the potential life imprisonment he could have faced.
The case has reignited discussions about gun violence and safety measures in public spaces, as well as the consequences of heated confrontations escalating to deadly encounters. While the sentencing provides some closure for Tenorio’s loved ones, they continue to mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend who had simply gone to the movies for a night out.
