An Albuquerque woman was spending Mother's Day in the hospital after allegedly being shot by her stepson at a high school graduation for her biological son.
Cristian Joshua Bencomo, 21, is accused of shooting his stepmother in the neck as she hugged her son at the charter school ceremony in the local convention center. More than 100 people were inside the building at the time of the shooting last Wednesday, according to police
"There was a lot of chaos," said Albuquerque police communications director Gilbert Gallegos.
The shooting reportedly occurred when graduates were asked to present a rose to someone in the audience. Victoria Bencomo was hugging her son when Cristian Bencomo allegedly walked up with a gun and shot her, according to court documents.
UPDATE: pic.twitter.com/3kYJOv7vRA
— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) May 9, 2024
Bystanders were able to disarm and detain him, said police.
His stepmom was transported to a hospital. Her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
"She is not only dealing with the physical wounds but also the emotional trauma that comes with such a traumatic event," her sister Angel Chester wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $10,000.
Bencomo was being held without bail at the Bernalillo County Jail. He is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
