Tyler East, a mixed martial artist and brother of former UFC fighter Cody East, has been shot and killed following a violent domestic dispute in Valencia County, New Mexico.
According to a New Mexico State Police press release, deputies were dispatched to Los Lunas on Monday night for a domestic violence call. Upon their arrival on scene, police “located a female with a gunshot wound and a deceased male victim on the property.” The deceased victim in question has been identified as Tyler East. The female victim is recovering in hospital in Albuquerque, where she remains in stable condition.
An investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau led to the conclusion that East had shot his girlfriend during a domestic dispute, then dragged her outside of the residence in question. East himself was then shot and killed by an unnamed male suspect at the residence. That suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. No update has been given on his whereabouts.
News of the shooting was first reported by KOB4. Last year, East was on the run from Police in New Mexico, with a reward posted for information on his whereabouts. He was later apprehended after fleeing officers. East had several encounters with the legal system over the years, and previously faced domestic violence charges.
Tyler East (15-6, 1NC) began his professional MMA career in 2009, making his debut at Bellator 3 and earning a win over Amedeo Viola. In the ensuing years, he became a common figure at King of the Cage events. His most recent contest was a 2016 loss under the Legacy FC banner.
Like Tyler, brother Cody East fought at heavyweight for both KOTC and Legacy. He made it to the UFC in 2016, but was released after a pair of losses to Walt Harris and Curtis Blaydes. “The Freight Train” continues to compete, most recently in Muay Thai for Lion Fights earlier this year.
