A 14-year-old boy was killed and another person was hurt in a shooting inside a University of New Mexico dorm during orientation week. John Fuentes, an 18-year-old suspect in the case, has been taken into custody by police.
What Happened at the University of New Mexico?
Shots were fired inside Mesa Vista Hall, a dorm on the University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque, early on Friday morning. The university was placed under lockdown after the incident, which happened at 1:36 am.
When police arrived, they discovered bloodstains and damaged windows. A 19-year-old male was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds, and a 14-year-old boy was later discovered dead inside one of the dorm rooms. He doesn’t have any life-threatening injuries.
Suspect Arrested and Facing Serious Charges
The suspect, John Fuentes, was taken into custody during a traffic stop later that day at approximately 2:30 pm. He is anticipated to be charged with several offenses, including:
Murder in the first degree
Enhanced battery
Serious assault
tampering with proof
At the time of the incident, police believe four people were inside a room at the Casas del Rio dorm complex. Officers said that when Fuentes abruptly began shooting, they were playing video games. The others, including Fuentes, left the room after the 14-year-old was killed.
Investigation and Security Response
The inquiry is being carried out by New Mexico State Police and UNM Police. At the moment, Fuentes is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Only one of the individuals involved, according to the police, was formally registered to reside in the hostel.
Garnett S. Stokes, president of UNM, offered her sympathy for the victims’ families and conveyed her profound regret, calling the incident terrible. She added that while campus security will be stepped up in the next few days, introductory activities will still take place.
Community Reaction
The sad event elicited strong reactions from local lawmakers and officials.
The shooting was particularly terrible, according to New Mexico State Representative Marianna Anaya, because it took place during a week designated for welcoming new students.
Tim Keller, the mayor of Albuquerque, praised the police for their prompt action in apprehending the culprit. “We will continue to stand with the community, and UNM must be a safe place for our children,” he said.
Background on the University and Dorm
With more than 22,000 students, the University of New Mexico (UNM) is the biggest university in the state.
The shooting took place in Casas del Rio, a residence that can accommodate over 1,000 students.
The 800-acre UNM main campus is situated close to downtown Albuquerque.
There have been violent incidents on campus before. A similar shooting occurred more than two years earlier, killing one student and wounding another basketball player.
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