Ricky Abeyta was a 28-year-old construction worker residing in Chimayó, New Mexico. Known in his community as a skilled hunter, Abeyta lived with his girlfriend, Ignacita Sandoval, and her family in a mobile home. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by domestic disputes. Days before the incident, Sandoval obtained a restraining order against Abeyta and planned to move out with her children and relatives.​

On January 26, 1991, tensions escalated when Abeyta returned home to find Sandoval and her family packing their belongings. Enraged, he armed himself with a 7mm Magnum rifle and two revolvers. He began his shooting spree by wounding Sandoval's 13-year-old son, Eloy. He then fatally shot Macario Gonzales, Maryellen Sandoval, and their 6-month-old son, Justin. Inside the home, he killed Cheryl Rendon and Ignacita Sandoval.​

As law enforcement responded, Abeyta ambushed and killed Deputy Jerry Martinez and State Police Officer Glen Huber. After fleeing the scene, he surrendered to authorities the following day.

Abeyta was convicted on multiple counts, including first-degree and second-degree murder, as well as involuntary manslaughter. He received a cumulative sentence of 146 years in prison, making it one of the deadliest mass murders in New Mexico's history.