Aahana Swrup
‘Duster’ is a crime drama about an FBI Agent and her informant, a getaway driver who has his feet in some pretty murky waters. The HBO Max show, set in the 1970s, charts a riveting story that revolves around this buddy-cop duo, Agent Nina Hayes and Jim Ellis, as they work together to take down Phoenix’s biggest crime boss, Ezra Saxton. Episode 8 of season 1, titled ‘’66 Reno Split,’ brings an end to this chapter of the pair’s partnership as several mysteries are unearthed while others only become more aggravating. Past the narrative’s conclusion, the episode ends on a somber note with a tribute to Vincent Buscema, who played a vital role in the production of the show behind the scenes.
Vincent Buscema was Dedicated to His Craft as a Film Technician
Vincent “Vinny” Buscema Jr. was born on July 21, 1984, to Sharon and Vincent Buscema. Hailing from Grants, New Mexico, he went on to attend Rio Rancho High School in the late 90s to early 2000s. Eventually, he found his passion in the technical aspects of filmmaking. As he dedicated his skill and craft as a film technician to the film industry, he became a proud member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) 480 Union. In April 2023, when ‘Duster’ went into production in Albuquerque, New Mexico, many members of this Union joined the crew for the HBO Max project.
Buscema was likely one of these members, who dedicated himself to bringing the whirlwind world of the show to the screen. Outside of the film industry, he devoted his time to honing his martial arts skills and helping others in their physical fitness journey. The film technician was also a Jiu Jitsu instructor and mentor at Rio Rancho’s One Jiu Jitsu. The martial arts academy was co-owned by Buscema and Tito Valdez, his close friend and business partner. “He had so many followers and students loved him, they just loved him,” the co-owner of One Jiu Jitsu told KOB4 when talking about his dearly departed friend. “If he came in the room, they were ready to train extra hard to impress him, cuz he was a good person.”
Vincent Buscema Passed Away in the Aftermath of a Brutal Home Invasion
Vincent Buscema Jr. tragically met his demise on July 8th, 2024. It all started a month prior, when Buscema and his family found themselves in the middle of a horrifying attack at their home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Fortunately, the family, wife Melissa, and two kids, Salvador and Isaac, weren’t notably harmed in the attack. However, the film technician and Jiu Jitsu instructor was left gravely injured. As a result, after the attack, he had been left fighting for his life in the hospital for around a month until his eventual mortal departure.
The attack was allegedly carried out by the victim’s father, Vincent Buscema Sr. Police claim that the accused had sent threatening messages to his son before the attack. Currently, Buscema Sr. is facing attempted murder charges. His trial is set to take place on October 20, 2025. Therefore, justice for Vincent Buscema Jr.’s untimely passing may yet arrive. Today, he’s survived by Melissa and their sons, Salvador and Isaac, as well as the love and adoration of his friends, family, and loved ones. In July 2025, One Jiu Jitsu held its first-ever Annual Memorial Roll-A-Thon, dubbed “Roll for Vin,” in the instructor’s honor. They plan to raise enough funds to grant a one-year Jiu Jitsu scholarship to a student in Vincent Buscema’s name. Thus, even in his death, the instructor’s legacy continues to live on in the shape of the good work he had done for his community.
Read More: Where is Duster Filmed? Shooting Locations of the HBO Max Show
