Roberto Carlos Pineda Arriaza Obituary, Death; The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the death of 21-year-old Roberto Carlos Pineda Arriaza, who was critically injured in a shooting that occurred on April 18, 2026, in southwest Albuquerque.
Authorities say Pineda Arriaza, an innocent bystander, suffered a gunshot wound to the head during a violent exchange of gunfire between two vehicles. He later died on the evening of April 21, 2026, after being in critical condition for several days.
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Investigators confirmed that he was not involved in the shooting and was struck as gunfire was exchanged between moving vehicles.
Through the investigation, detectives identified Rory Horowitz as the primary suspect in the shooting, along with a second suspect, Ellyssa Salazar. With assistance from the United States Marshals Service and the El Paso Police Department, both suspects were located and arrested at a residence in El Paso.
Horowitz initially faced charges including shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Following Pineda Arriaza’s death, investigators are now seeking an amended warrant to include an open count of murder.
Salazar was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and harboring a fugitive. Authorities say she was linked to a Mitsubishi vehicle believed to be involved in the incident, though that vehicle remains missing.
Officials noted that another individual connected to a second vehicle was arrested separately by the Albuquerque Police Department on unrelated charges including reckless driving and fleeing police. That individual has not been charged in connection with the shooting.
The investigation involved coordinated efforts between multiple agencies, including homicide and violent crimes detectives, field deputies, and intelligence units. Authorities say the swift progress was made possible through extensive collaboration between local, state, and federal partners.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the extradition process is underway to return the suspects to New Mexico as the case continues. Investigators are still searching for the missing Mitsubishi and urge anyone with information to contact authorities through Tip411.
Officials say the case remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation, with additional charges still possible as new evidence is reviewed.