University of New Mexico Shooting Leads to Murder Charge

An 18-year-old, John Fuentes, has been charged with first-degree murder following a shooting at the University of New Mexico. The incident resulted in the death of a 14-year-old and the injury of a 19-year-old. Fuentes was apprehended in Valencia County on Friday afternoon, more than twelve hours after the shooting occurred.

The initial investigation revealed that four individuals were present in a room within the Casas Del Rio dorm when the shooting took place. The group was reportedly playing video games when the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding the 14-year-old. Following the shooting, Fuentes and the other two individuals fled the scene. The 19-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Fuentes is also facing charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held at Bernalillo County’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

Campus police responded to an alarm at Mesa Vista Hall early in the morning and discovered broken windows and what appeared to be blood. The university subsequently implemented a staged evacuation and a shelter-in-place order, which was lifted later in the day. However, the central campus remained closed due to the ongoing crime scene investigation.

University President Garnett S. Stokes expressed deep sadness and horror at the act of violence, extending condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. New student orientation was taking place at the university at the time of the shooting. The university is providing mental health services to students and community members and is urging anyone with information to contact campus police.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement expressing her sympathies and gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement. She emphasized that firearms are prohibited on campus unless carried by peace officers and stated that the state must improve efforts to reduce gun violence, particularly among young people.