Cristian Bencomo: Albuquerque man, 21, arrested for shooting at stepmom as she tried to hug him at high school graduation

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: In a shocking turn of events, a 21-year-old man has been accused of shooting his stepmother during a graduation ceremony at a New Mexico charter school, Albuquerque police reported.

Bystanders subdued Cristian Bencomo after he allegedly fired a gunshot at his stepmother Victoria Bencomo during the graduation ceremony for the Southwest Secondary Learning Center on Thursday, May 9.

Insights into the disturbing shooting at charter school graduation

The incident occurred at the Albuquerque Convention Center, sending shockwaves through attendees and leaving Victoria hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the neck.

The victim's sister Angel Chester recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that Victoria had invited relatives to celebrate her son's graduation.

As Victoria attempted to embrace her stepson, Bencomo, he reportedly pushed her away before brandishing a gun. “And then when I looked back Cristian was standing there and my sister actually tried to hug him,” Chester recounted. “And he pushed her away and then he just pulled out the gun," she added.

“Right in the neck," said the victim’s sister. "I keep thinking that it’s a bad dream that I’ll wake up from,” she added, according to KRQE.

Shooter Cristian Bencomo stomps on stepmother's head after gunfire erupts

Chester described the scene further, explaining that after Victoria fell to the ground, Bencomo began stomping on her head.

"After he shot her and she fell to the ground he started stomping on her head,” she told the outlet. Despite the severity of her injuries, Victoria is reported to be in critical but stable condition and is expected to recover.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with one bystander recalling how Bencomo appeared poised to stomp on his stepmother before intervention from others prevented further harm.

Following the altercation, Bencomo was apprehended and charged with aggravated battery, illegal weapons possession, and other offenses.

He has been booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center. 

In light of the incident, police are urging anyone with photos, videos, or information regarding the shooting to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. They can contact the authorities at 505-242-COPS.