Albuquerque tattoo artist Bale Sisneros shot dead as police search for person of interest

John ‘Bale’ Sisneros, an artist at Por Vida Tattoo, was shot inside his shop as police investigate leads.

John "Bale" Sisneros, owner of the renowned Por Vida Tattoo shop in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, was tragically shot and killed inside his business on Thursday morning. 

The 41-year-old entrepreneur was celebrated for his artistry and community contributions, leaving many shocked and grieving his sudden loss.

Albuquerque police responded to a shooting report at 8:30 a.m. at Por Vida Tattoo, located on 4th Street and Coal Avenue. Officers discovered Sisneros dead from a gunshot wound. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the shop and nearby businesses to identify the perpetrator. Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers released a photo of a person of interest, showing an individual wearing blue jeans, brown shoes, and a gray "New Mexico" shirt, carrying a striped jacket. Police continue to seek information about this person’s involvement.

NEW: @ABQPOLICE & Crime Stoppers are looking for info on this 'person of interest' related to the shooting death of Por Vida Tattoo Shop owner, John 'Bale' Sisneros. The murder happened this morning inside the #ABQ tattoo shop downtown. Anyone with info should call 505-843-STOP pic.twitter.com/E6KOT4tW45

— Gabrielle Burkhart (@gburkNM) November 14, 2024

News of Sisneros’ death spread rapidly, drawing an outpouring of grief from the local community. "He created a safe place for us to be at," said Lenna Van Buren, a longtime customer. "This can’t be real." As customers, friends, and family gathered outside the shop, many shared the photo of the person of interest on social media, trying to assist in the investigation.

Sisneros was a pillar of Albuquerque’s creative scene. After opening his first tattoo shop in Rio Rancho in 2006, he expanded Por Vida Tattoo into a thriving downtown business, adding a tattoo supply store, coffee shop, shoe store, and barber shop. He also organized the annual New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta, celebrating tattoo artistry and culture. Reflecting on his career in a July interview, Sisneros shared, "It wasn’t like I decided to do it as a career. I started doing it more as a hobby, and it just kind of ended up being my career."

Erica Romero, who had planned a tattoo consultation that morning, described the scene as surreal. "I thought I’d give it a chance," she said. "It’s just so crazy." Tim Cummins, a fellow member of Sisneros’ Masonic Lodge, remembered his friend fondly. "He was just so excited about life and just such a good heart," Cummins said. "I’m overwhelmed by the fact that he is gone."

A half-hour before the shooting, Sisneros posted a story to his Instagram featuring a breakfast of an avocado-topped omelet, accompanied by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s "Foe tha Love of $." The post is a poignant reminder of his vibrant spirit and connection to the community. As Albuquerque mourns the loss of a beloved figure, police continue their search for answers.