ALBUQUERQUE, NM – An afternoon scene at a local grocery store’s parking lot turned deadly when gunfire erupted, leading to a fiery car crash. A business owner now faces charges of murder after allegedly shooting a fleeing shoplifter.
The incident unfolded at a shopping center near Lomas and San Mateo. Authorities arrived to find a burned vehicle and a man, later identified as Matthew Sedillo, deceased from a gunshot wound. The suspect, Mohtasem Mahir Thabata, owner of Moe’s Smoke Shop, admitted to firing at Sedillo, who he claims shoplifted items from his store.
Thabata told police that Sedillo had stolen two shirts and a glass bong before attempting to escape in a car. The store owner said he intended to disable the vehicle by shooting at its tires but instead struck Sedillo, resulting in his death.
The vehicle subsequently crashed into another car in the parking lot and eventually caught fire after hitting a curb. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with one person recounting how they saw a man fleeing in a white Toyota Camry, followed by the smoke shop owner.
While Thabata expressed regret over the incident, stating he does not condone violence, he also mentioned feeling cornered by Sedillo’s actions. Despite his frustration, Thabata acknowledged that the stolen merchandise, valued at $75, was not worth risking lives over.
Thabata’s criminal record in New Mexico is minimal, contrasting sharply with Sedillo’s extensive history of legal troubles. Sedillo, aged 40, had faced multiple charges over the years, including burglary, shoplifting, and forgery. However, many of his recent cases were dismissed due to his incompetency to stand trial.
The incident raises questions about the use of deadly force in response to property crimes and highlights the complexities of dealing with repeat offenders. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of balancing self-defense with the potential consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands.