A complaint over spilled water escalated into a fatal stabbing on Monday. Albuquerque police have launched an investigation into the incident near Lomas and Eubank.
According to KOAT Action News, detectives say 39-year-old Michael Cain is accused of stabbing his neighbor, 22-year-old Esmeralda Romero, multiple times. The attack happened outside the leasing office at the Albuquerque Encore Apartments, located at 810 Eubank Blvd., NE.
Cain complained to an apartment employee that water from Romero’s patio was spilling onto his own. The employee told him they would handle the issue.
Cain left the leasing office and got into a verbal altercation with Romero. He then returned to the office to complain again about the leak. The employee reiterated that the issue would be handled. Cain walked outside and waited.
While Cain waited, Romero went to the office and complained about him to an employee. She said water sometimes dripped from her dog’s bowl, and Cain accused her of purposely pouring water onto his patio.
Romero told the employee that Cain had gone to her apartment and banged on her door. She said he was harassing her over the water, according to the news report. The employee said she told Romero she was trying to resolve the conflict between them. She also advised Romero to call security or 911 if Cain threatened her.
How the Alleged Stabbing Happened
As Romero walked out of the office, the employee said she saw Cain run from the parking lot and attack her. The employee said Cain held Romero while stabbing her multiple times. Romero then fell to the floor.
According to the employee, Cain turned toward and walked toward her with the knife after the stabbing. He walked past the employee and fled on foot. He reportedly dropped a knife with a white hand towel on the sidewalk behind the apartment.
Cain then called 911 and made statements about stabbing someone. Officers located him in an alleyway near 10509 San Jacinto NE and took him into custody. The report said there was a knife located at that location as well. Cain had a few cuts on his hand.
Authorities booked Cain into the Metropolitan Detention Center.
A judge ruled Tuesday that Cain will remain in custody as his case goes through the judicial process. He is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence.
