By Alyssa Munoz

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) -- A family is mourning their loved one after he and his coworker were shot and killed in Southwest Albuquerque.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said the shooting happened at O'Reilly Auto Parts store near Coors Boulevard SW and Blake Road SW Sunday evening.

Witnesses told deputies Richard Newman, 47, and his 18-year-old coworker, Jesus Valdez, were arguing with a customer, Ismael Tena, over an oil filter. Tena's father told BCSO they went to the store to exchange the oil filter and asked for two extra containers of oil since the originals were wasted due to "incorrect filters."

According to the arrest affidavit, Tena got upset and grabbed two oil containers and walked out. Deputies said Newman and Valdez followed Tena outside, where he grabbed a gun and shot both men.

"He was a hard worker, a provider. He did everything. Everything for us," said Michael Newman, Richard's son. "He cared. He did anything for anyone that he possibly can do. That weight will forever weigh heavy on us."

Tena told deputies he feared for his safety as "both employees were shoving and punching him." BCSO said in the criminal complaint that they didn't see any markings consistent with Tena's statement.

"We are numb and we're grieving. We're all coming together to try to endure this tough moment in our lives. But, as a family, we will get through this. He wouldn't want us to cry for him," said Michael Newman.

Richard's wife, June Newman, said she'd known her husband since the third grade and had been married for 30 years.

"He was the sole provider. He did everything for us. I got sick, so sick, and you know, he took me to all my appointments because I can't drive. He handled my medication," June said.

Tena has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder.

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