Family remembers Albuquerque teen killed during dispute over washing machine

ALBUQUERQUE: A family is heartbroken after losing a teenager in a tragic incident at a laundromat. Michael Rowe was just 15 when he was killed during a dispute over a washing machine. His sister, Sarah, shared how painful it is to accept that he won’t be coming home.

To honor what would have been his 16th birthday, family and friends gathered to light candles and release balloons outside the laundromat. They sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to remember him. Sarah described Mikey as a bright light, full of life and love.

The incident happened earlier this month when a man named Jamel Coriz got into an argument with Michael and two other teens. Things escalated, and after Coriz left, he returned with his boyfriend, Oscar Orozco. Tragically, Orozco chased Michael outside and shot him.

Sarah expressed how unimaginable it is for something so horrific to happen. She wants to keep Mikey’s memory alive and plans to celebrate his birthday every year. She reflected on the joy he brought to their lives and how much they will miss him.

Michael’s father believes he was trying to help when he was shot. Both Coriz and Orozco are in jail, facing murder charges, and have pleaded not guilty. The family is left with a deep sense of loss but is determined to remember the good times they shared with Michael.