ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A suspect was arrested Friday in connection with a shooting at the University of New Mexico that left a 14-year-old boy dead and a 19-year-old UNM student injured, according to officials. The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for the university’s campus.
John Fuentes, 18, was taken into custody during a traffic stop around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler announced. Fuentes faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
The shooting occurred early Friday morning in a dorm room at Casas del Rio, a student housing center on the UNM campus. At 1:36 a.m. local time, campus police responded to an alarm signal at Mesa Vista Hall, and upon arrival at the scene, they discovered broken windows and blood in the dorm room. Two individuals with gunshot wounds were located in the room.
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The 14-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured 19-year-old UNM student was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The university confirmed that the student sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Group in University of New Mexico Dorm Was Playing Video Games
University of New Mexico Police Chief Joe Silva confirmed that four individuals were in the dorm room at the time of the incident. Authorities stated that the group appeared to have been playing video games when Fuentes allegedly began firing at the other occupants. The suspect and the remaining individuals fled the dorm room after the shooting.
University officials imposed a shelter-in-place order that remained active for over five hours following the shooting. Approximately 400 students, on campus for new student orientation, were directed to remain indoors. A subsequent “staged, tactical evacuation” began around 1 p.m., according to university spokesperson Steve Carr.
The university also closed its central campus during the investigation, and a planned “White Coat Ceremony” for incoming medical students was canceled.
The New Mexico State Police described the incident as isolated, with no additional threats to the university or the surrounding community, reports the Santa Fe New Mexican. Weisler confirmed that no other suspects are believed to be involved.
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Officials have not released the identities of the 14-year-old victim or the other individuals involved in the incident. One of the four people present in the dorm room was confirmed to be a University of New Mexico student who had a lease for the residence, though it is unclear which individual this is.
Fuentes Faces First-Degree Murder Charges for Deadly Shooting
Fuentes remains in custody and is set to face charges including first-degree murder as the investigation continues.
University President Garnett S. Stokes addressed the incident, emphasizing the university’s commitment to supporting its community during this difficult time. The institution stated it will work to provide resources to students and staff impacted by the event.
Further updates on the case are expected as police continue their investigation.
