Renowned Tattoo Artist Bale Sisneros Fatally Shot Inside Albuquerque Studio
In a devastating turn of events, the life of Bale Sisneros, a prominent tattoo artist and beloved community figure in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was cut short in a shooting incident on the morning of November 14, 2024. Sisneros, owner of the widely recognized Por Vida Tattoo Shop, was shot multiple times inside his establishment around 8:35 a.m. The incident occurred at the intersection of 4th Street SW and Coal Avenue SW, a busy area in the city. According to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), officers responded promptly to reports of gunfire and arrived on the scene to find Sisneros gravely wounded. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Witnesses who were near the shop reported that the assailant was specific in his intentions, asking for Sisneros by name before opening fire and fleeing the scene. Security footage from the tattoo shop captured the suspect, who appeared to be masked, swiftly exiting the shop after the shooting. This image is now a critical piece of evidence as APD intensifies efforts to identify and locate the shooter. Although the motive remains unclear, authorities are actively pursuing leads and have called on the community for any information that may aid in solving this case.
As news of the incident spread, Albuquerque residents expressed shock and sorrow. Sisneros, well-known for his artistry and generosity, had a profound impact on the city’s tattoo community. Later that evening, hundreds of community members gathered for a vigil at the corner of Coal Avenue and 3rd Street to honor Sisneros’s memory. Many attendees, including friends, clients, and fellow tattoo artists, shared stories and memories that underscored Sisneros's influence on their lives and careers. His family members described him as a warm, dedicated artist who loved his craft and worked tirelessly to elevate the tattoo industry in Albuquerque.
Sisneros’s contributions extended beyond his talent as a tattoo artist. He was a mentor and leader, building Por Vida Tattoo Shop into an iconic creative hub that fostered a sense of community among artists. The shop, which occupies a spacious 15,000-square-foot warehouse, is known for more than just its tattooing services; it also serves as a tattoo supply store and a venue where both local and visiting artists could collaborate and showcase their work. Sisneros’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to fostering a supportive community space made Por Vida a renowned establishment in the Albuquerque art scene.
The APD has increased patrols in the area and is making a public appeal for anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The department has assured residents that any leads will be handled with the utmost urgency and confidentiality. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina expressed condolences to Sisneros’s family and the wider community, acknowledging the significant void left by his passing.
The tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about public safety and the need for community solidarity in Albuquerque. Residents, friends, and family members alike have voiced their commitment to keeping Sisneros’s legacy alive by supporting each other and the artistic community he helped build. Local businesses have also joined in expressing support, with several tattoo shops across Albuquerque organizing fundraising events to support Sisneros’s family and honor his contributions to the industry.
As the investigation progresses, community leaders have organized more vigils and events to commemorate Sisneros’s life and legacy. His loss is deeply felt not only within the tattoo industry but across Albuquerque, where he was respected as an artist, mentor, and friend to many. For now, Albuquerque remembers Bale Sisneros as a symbol of artistry, dedication, and community, and his memory will undoubtedly endure among those he touched. Further updates from the APD are expected in the coming days, as the city stands united in seeking justice and honoring a life marked by creativity and generosity.
