The New Mexico teen accused in the fatal shooting of a fellow theater goer in a dispute over assigned seats will go to trial later this fall.
Enrique Padilla, 19, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, shooting at an occupied building, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence, in connection with the deadly incident at an Albuquerque, New Mexico movie theater in June 2023, police said, according to the Associated Press.
He's been in jail since, but will finally have a chance to argue his case in November, according to KRQE-TV.
Padilla allegedly killed 52-year-old Michael Tenorio in front of the victim's wife after the two men got into an argument over seats.
"The defendant opened fire inside a crowded movie theater, putting the lives of everyone in the room in danger. He shot and killed the victim over seating arrangements," court documents filed last year stated, the AP reported. "It is clear that the defendant has no regard for the safety of others, and that he is willing to kill over the minor inconvenience of switching seats to watch a movie."
Before Padilla allegedly drew his weapon, theater staff tried to de-escalate the situation. Those attempts proved unsuccessful, prompting the alleged throwing of popcorn, a physical tussle and then shots fired.
Tenorio died on the scene.
Padilla fled, but was arrested outside the theater.
