Albuquerque, N.M. – A tragic shooting that occurred on May 4, 2025, in downtown Albuquerque has now escalated into a homicide investigation after the victim, David Segura, 26, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, May 9, 2025, following a shooting near 8th Street and Central Avenue. This heinous act of violence has resulted in the involvement of two teenagers—Isaiah Martinez, 18, and Matthew Akugue, 18—both of whom have been arrested and charged in connection to the fatal shooting. The case has drawn attention not only because of the crime itself but also due to the complex nature of the altercation that preceded the gunfire and the detailed investigation that followed.

The Shooting Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

The events that led to David Segura’s tragic death began early on the morning of May 4, 2025. At approximately 2:26 a.m., officers from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Valley Area Command were flagged down near 8th Street and Central Avenue by an individual reporting a gunshot victim. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located David Segura, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen.

Segura was immediately transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Segura was pronounced dead at the hospital on May 9, 2025, four days after the shooting.

Initial investigations into the incident pointed to a disturbance that escalated into gunfire. According to a criminal complaint, a male witness told officers that Segura had been involved in a verbal altercation earlier that night near a food truck located at 6th Street and Central Avenue. The confrontation led to Segura being followed by a white sedan as he walked home near 8th Street roundabout. After the altercation, Segura was shot at multiple times while walking, and the vehicle involved was seen fleeing the scene.

Surveillance Footage and Technology: Key Evidence in the Investigation

Surveillance footage from the area played a critical role in advancing the investigation. Officers reviewed footage from nearby security cameras, which captured a white sedan passing by Segura just before the gunfire erupted from the passenger side. The muzzle flashes were visible on the video, confirming that the shooting was an intentional act of violence. The video footage also showed the vehicle in question earlier in the night involved in a dispute with three male individuals, one of whom was later identified as Matthew Akugue.

The footage was pivotal in linking the white sedan to the shooting and provided a clearer understanding of how the shooting occurred. The vehicle was seen driving westbound on Central Avenue, turning around near 8th Street, and then returning to the scene where Segura was shot.

Tracking Down the Suspects: Isaiah Martinez and Matthew Akugue

Using advanced license plate reader (LPR) technology, investigators were able to track the suspect vehicle to a residence in northeast Albuquerque, where it was registered to a woman whose son, Isaiah Martinez, was listed as living there. Surveillance confirmed that the vehicle was parked in the driveway, which further supported its connection to the shooting.

Isaiah Martinez, the driver of the vehicle involved in the shooting, was arrested after detectives observed him exiting the house and entering the white sedan with a female passenger. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop near San Mateo Boulevard and Palo Duro Avenue, where they successfully took Martinez into custody.

During an interview with detectives, Martinez initially denied involvement in the shooting, claiming that a friend had borrowed the car. However, he later admitted to being the driver during the shooting. Martinez told detectives that, prior to the shooting, he and a friend got into an argument with Segura. According to Martinez, after being confronted by Segura, his friend, whom he identified as “Matthew”, was slapped.

Martinez claimed that he and his friend got into the vehicle, began to follow Segura, and, when they caught up with him near 8th and Central, his friend Matthew Akugue allegedly opened fire, saying, “Let’s get him.”

Matthew Akugue: The Second Arrest

Matthew Akugue, the second individual involved in the shooting, was later identified as 18-year-old Matthew Akugue, a senior at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque. Martinez identified Akugue as the one who opened fire on Segura after the confrontation. Akugue had been known to Martinez since the start of the school year, and after detectives showed Martinez a school photo of Akugue, he confirmed the identification.

Akugue was later arrested in connection with the shooting and faced similar charges as Martinez. Akugue was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle (resulting in great bodily harm), Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (discharge).

The Charges and Legal Ramifications

Both Isaiah Martinez and Matthew Akugue face serious criminal charges related to the shooting. Martinez, as the driver, faces charges including Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Unlawful Use of a Firearm.

Akugue, as the alleged shooter, faces similar charges, along with an additional charge of Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon. The charges related to the shooting from a motor vehicle and aggravated battery reflect the severity of the attack, and the conspiracy charge indicates that the shooting was planned and carried out as part of an ongoing conflict.

The case remains under investigation, and additional individuals possibly involved in the shooting are being sought. At this time, no charges for murder or manslaughter have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing.

The Emotional Impact: The Community Grieves

The murder of David Segura has left a profound emotional impact on his friends, family, and the greater Albuquerque community. Segura, who was just 26 years old at the time of his death, is remembered fondly by those who knew him. He is described as a friendly and vibrant individual with a deep connection to his family and friends. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the community. Social media tributes have flooded in, with many recalling Segura’s kind nature and his impact on the people around him.

Segura’s family is left to grapple with the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to violence. The traumatic nature of the event, and the fact that it occurred in a public setting, has further compounded the heartbreak. The family is now left to mourn the loss of a son, brother, and friend who had his whole life ahead of him.

The impact of the shooting has also been felt by local residents, particularly in the 6th Street and Central Avenue area, where the incident took place. This area, known for its bustling nightlife and vibrant community, has now been marked by tragedy, leaving many questioning the safety of public spaces and the ease with which such violent incidents can unfold.

The Bigger Picture: Gun Violence in Albuquerque

The shooting that led to David Segura’s death is part of a broader issue of gun violence that has affected many cities across the United States. In Albuquerque, gun violence has become a growing concern in recent years, with shootings and other violent incidents becoming increasingly frequent.

The issue of gun violence in Albuquerque has sparked debates about the role of law enforcement, gun control, and community-based violence prevention programs. While Albuquerque has made efforts to address gun violence through community policing and outreach programs, incidents like the shooting of Segura remind the public of the pervasive nature of gun-related crimes in urban areas. Local law enforcement officials have called for stronger measures to prevent violence and protect residents from harm.

Looking Ahead: Justice for David Segura and Solutions to Gun Violence

As the investigation into the shooting of David Segura continues, the focus remains on finding those responsible and holding them accountable for their actions. With the arrests of Isaiah Martinez and Matthew Akugue, the case has made significant strides, but the full truth behind the altercation that led to Segura’s death remains unclear.

For the community, the hope is that justice will be served, not only for Segura and his family but also for the broader effort to prevent future acts of violence. The case underscores the need for greater action to reduce gun violence in Albuquerque and other cities across the nation.

In the meantime, the grieving family and friends of David Segura must cope with the loss of a young life taken far too soon. As investigations unfold, they are left to honor his memory and carry on his legacy, while the rest of the community stands united in the fight for justice and safety.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Change
The loss of David Segura to senseless violence is a stark reminder of the need for systemic change to address gun violence and improve public safety. As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, the hope is that steps will be taken to reduce the occurrence of such incidents in the future. For now, David Segura’s family and community are left to grieve the loss of a loved one, while the pursuit of justice continues.