ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A tragic shooting at the University of New Mexico claimed the life of a 14-year-old on July 25. The incident unfolded in the Gila Dormitory of the campus’ Casa del Rio Housing complex, prompting a swift response from state and university law enforcement.
Court documents reveal that the suspect, identified as John Fuentes, arrived at the dormitory parking lot shortly before the shooting. He traveled in a vehicle registered to his father and met a University of New Mexico freshman. The two joined the victim and another individual, eventually heading toward the dormitory around 10:20 p.m.
Witnesses recounted a disturbing series of events in the dorm room, where the group was playing video games. According to one individual present, Fuentes displayed erratic behavior, allegedly under the influence of drugs, before he fatally shot the teenager in the head. The same witness reported that Fuentes then turned the gun on the UNM student, also shooting him, before both witnesses escaped through a window.
Gunfire was detected shortly after midnight, prompting a response from the Albuquerque Police Department’s shot-spotter technology. In the chaos, Fuentes fled the scene, ultimately ending up on the roof of the Mesa Vista building, where he broke several windows, sustaining injuries in the process. Evidence collected included bloodstains and a stolen Glock 9mm handgun, along with clothing items left behind.
Law enforcement tracked Fuentes as he made his way across campus and was ultimately apprehended around 1:40 a.m. after being picked up by two individuals in a pickup truck. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, it has been revealed that new students were on campus for orientation activities at the time of the shooting. In light of the tragedy, university officials took swift action to ensure the safety of the campus community, issuing a shelter-in-place order and restricting access to the central campus.
University President Garnett Stokes addressed the community in the wake of the incident, expressing her deep sorrow over the violence that impacted their campus. She reaffirmed the commitment to student safety and acknowledged the emotional toll such events can take on individuals and families, especially those new to the university environment.
Support resources were made available for students, faculty, and staff, as the university prepared to continue orientation activities with heightened safety measures. Stokes urged anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for help, reinforcing the importance of community support during distressing times.
As investigations proceed, university officials remain focused on fostering a safe and supportive campus atmosphere, standing united in the face of tragedy.