Man turns himself in for fatal NE Albuquerque apartment stabbing

23-year-old Colin Bilagody charged with murder of Tyren Begay after early Tuesday incident

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:33pm

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Albuquerque police have arrested 23-year-old Colin Bilagody for the early Tuesday morning stabbing death of 23-year-old Tyren Begay in an apartment on Eubank. Bilagody later turned himself in to police, admitting to the stabbing but claiming Begay was the initial aggressor.

Why it matters

Violent crime, including homicides, has been an ongoing challenge for the Albuquerque community, with the city seeing a rise in such incidents in recent years. This case highlights the need for conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as access to mental health resources, to help prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to police, Bilagody and Begay were drinking with Begay's girlfriend in her apartment when they began fighting. The girlfriend told police she witnessed Bilagody stab Begay in the chest with a large kitchen knife, after which Bilagody fled on foot. Begay was found dead in the apartment when police arrived. Bilagody later turned himself in at the Northeast Substation, admitting to the stabbing but claiming Begay was the initial aggressor.

  • The incident occurred early Tuesday morning.
  • Bilagody turned himself in to police later that same day.

The players

Colin Bilagody

A 23-year-old Albuquerque resident who has been charged with an open count of murder, tampering with evidence in a homicide, and is being held without bond.

Tyren Begay

A 23-year-old Albuquerque resident who was fatally stabbed in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Bilagody told them Begay was the initial aggressor and admitted to stabbing Begay in the chest and that he should have walked away from the fight.”

— Colin Bilagody

What’s next

Bilagody will remain in custody without bond as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as greater access to mental health resources, to help prevent violence in the Albuquerque community.