Judge Sentences Albuquerque Man to 14 Years in Prison
Emilio Mirabal receives a prison sentence for a June 2023 shooting that left two bystanders injured.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Judge Brett Loveless sentenced Emilio Mirabal to 14 years in prison for a shooting incident that occurred in the parking lot of a Rudy's Bar-B-Q. Mirabal initiated gunfire during a drug-induced mental health crisis at the intersection of I-40 and Carlisle.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes the criminal case involving the shooting of two bystanders while Mirabal faces ongoing civil litigation regarding the event. This incident also highlights the repeat criminal history of the defendant who previously served time for a 2016 robbery.
Emilio Mirabal received a 14-year prison sentence and is expected to serve just over 10 years with credit for pre-sentence confinement. He will also serve a period of supervised probation following his eventual release from prison.
The players
Emilio Mirabal
The convicted individual who previously served a three-year sentence for a 2016 robbery.
Brett Loveless
The judge who presided over the sentencing hearing and ordered the 14-year term.
Albuquerque Police Department
The local law enforcement agency involved in the response to the shooting and named in a subsequent civil lawsuit.
The details
Mirabal engaged in gunfire during a mental health crisis, prompting Albuquerque Police and State Police officers to return fire at the scene. A victim involved in the incident has since filed a civil lawsuit naming Mirabal, local law enforcement agencies, and a security company as defendants.
Timeline
2016: Mirabal participates in a robbery in Albuquerque.
June 2023: Mirabal shoots two bystanders at a Rudy's Bar-B-Q.
October 27, 2026: Judge Brett Loveless sentences Mirabal to prison.
Legal Context
This sentencing follows a pattern set by the 2016 Albuquerque robbery conviction, marking a continued trend of recidivism for the defendant within the local justice system. The case reflects broader challenges in managing repeat offenders who face concurrent civil litigation from their actions.
The conclusion of the criminal trial allows the civil legal process to proceed, potentially resulting in new oversight regarding the security company and police responses mentioned in the lawsuit. Residents near the I-40 and Carlisle area remain impacted by the ongoing civil proceedings stemming from the 2023 shooting.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders often face escalating legal consequences that culminate in long-term incarceration. Victims of such crimes frequently turn to civil litigation to seek redress against the perpetrators and institutions involved in the incident.
Further reading
Find more local coverage on Criminal Justice trends in the Albuquerque area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
