Tragedy Strikes During Orientation Week: 14-Year-Old Killed In University Of New Mexico Dorm Shooting

 

An 18-year-old suspect is in custody following a deadly shooting early Friday morning at a University of New Mexico student housing complex that left a 14-year-old boy dead and another person injured, authorities said.

According to New Mexico State Police Chief W. Troy Weisler, the incident occurred as four people were playing video games inside a dorm room. Without warning, the suspect opened fire on the others in the room. The 14-year-old victim was fatally shot and died at the scene, while the remaining individuals — including the shooter — fled.

The violence prompted a temporary shelter-in-place order and evacuations across the Albuquerque campus as law enforcement launched a manhunt for the shooter.

Police later identified the suspect as John Fuentes. Using license plate reader technology, officers tracked him to Valencia County and arrested him during a traffic stop around 2:30 p.m. He was traveling with a family member at the time of his arrest.

Authorities are still working to determine how the individuals involved knew each other and what led to the shooting. Police believe it was an isolated incident and that no other suspects are at large.

“This is a scene we’ve seen all too often,” Weisler said. “Our investigators are actively working to understand what led up to this tragedy.”

A Campus in Mourning

University officials described the day as heartbreaking, especially given that it happened during new student orientation. The University of New Mexico has approximately 23,000 students and was hosting orientation events Thursday and Friday for incoming freshmen, many of whom were staying overnight in dormitories.

“This is a difficult and heartbreaking day for the University of New Mexico,” said UNM Police Chief Joseph Silva. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual who lost his life, as well as to the person who was injured.”

University President Garnett Stokes acknowledged the emotional impact of the shooting, especially on new students and their families. She said orientation would continue with added support and resources.

“We want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to your safety and well-being,” Stokes said. “We are committed to moving forward together with vigilance, compassion, and renewed dedication to the safety of all Lobos.”

Details of the Incident

Police responded to an alert from Mesa Vista Hall around 1:36 a.m. Friday and discovered signs of violence, including broken windows and blood. An hour later, a 19-year-old man arrived at University of New Mexico Hospital with a gunshot wound, telling medical staff he had been shot on campus.

Officers searching nearby buildings found the body of the 14-year-old in Casas del Rio, a student housing facility. State police were called in around 3:45 a.m. to take over the investigation.

The university issued a shelter-in-place advisory as they believed the suspect could still be on campus. That advisory was lifted later in the day, but the central Albuquerque campus remained closed until Saturday out of caution.

The injured victim, who sustained non-life-threatening wounds, continues to receive medical treatment.

As the campus community prepares for the fall semester beginning August 19, university leaders are urging unity and resilience.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence,” President Stokes said. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those affected.”