City Petitions for Emergency Action Against Problem Property
Emergency injunction filed to halt criminal activity and ongoing violations following homicide at Quirky Books
The City of Albuquerque has filed an emergency application for a preliminary injunction to immediately halt the operation of an illegal and dangerous encampment at the Quirky Books property on Jefferson Street, following a homicide that occurred on site on November 15, 2025.
For more than a year, the City has documented a persistent pattern of criminal activity, public safety hazards and code violations associated with the encampment operating on the property owned by Jefferson LLC and Gilliam Kerley. Despite repeated notices, hearings and fines, the property owners have continued to allow individuals to camp at the location, creating escalating harm to adjacent businesses, residents and the broader community.
On Friday, November 15, 2025, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to the location to reports of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located Gregory Antone, 28, deceased on scene. During the investigation, police found that Antone had been engaging with individuals who were at the encampment located at Quirky Books. Antone was seen getting into an argument with individuals at the encampment before being fatally shot at the location. APD has responded to 235 calls for service in the area of the property within the past year.
“The homicide this weekend underscores exactly why the City cannot allow this illegal operation to continue,” said City Attorney, Lauren Keefe. “The neighboring properties have had to deal with drug activity, litter and violence. We are taking decisive action to protect this community.”
The emergency filing argues that the City and nearby residents will suffer irreparable harm if the property continues to operate. The city is seeking immediate injunctive relief and requests that the court:
- Order the defendants to cease all camping activities on the property immediately
- Prevent further criminal activity and public safety threats
- Protect the health and safety of residents, businesses and the public
The property has been previously cited for violating City ordinances, including Albuquerque’s prohibition on outdoor storage and restrictions on overnight camping. During the prior hearing, the property owners admitted to the violations, but continued allowing the encampment to operate.
The city maintains that shutting down the illegal activity at this property is necessary to prevent additional violent incidents, ongoing code violations, and restore safety to the area.