A heated argument over seating arrangements at an Albuquerque cinema turned deadly Sunday evening, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old man and injuries to the suspected shooter. The incident unfolded at a theater complex adjacent to an interstate highway, sending panicked moviegoers fleeing for safety.

Nineteen-year-old Enrique Padilla has been charged in connection with the shooting and is currently hospitalized under police guard while receiving treatment for a gunshot wound. His condition remains undisclosed, and it's unclear if he has legal representation.

According to witness accounts, Padilla and his girlfriend arrived at the theater to find another couple occupying at least one of their pre-reserved seats. Theater staff intervened to mediate the disagreement, but the situation rapidly deteriorated. A bucket of popcorn was thrown, shoving ensued, and the altercation culminated in gunfire.

The victim, Michael Tenorio, was fatally shot at the scene. His wife, Trina Tenorio, confirmed he was unarmed. The shooter fled, and authorities later discovered Padilla concealed behind a bush near an emergency exit. A firearm, consistent with shell casings recovered from the scene, was found nearby.

The chaotic scene prompted approximately 20 calls to emergency dispatchers as people evacuated the theater. Padilla is facing charges of homicide, shooting at an occupied building, and tampering with evidence. While the criminal complaint mentions Padilla sustaining an abdominal wound, details surrounding the injury remain limited.

An off-duty police officer present at the movie provided immediate medical assistance to Tenorio. The officer witnessed the initial confrontation but did not see a weapon in the dimly lit theater. The officer reported hearing a rapid succession of gunshots before one of the individuals involved in the dispute ran out.