John Fuentes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico State Police have released new details in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy at the University of New Mexico’s Casa del Rio student housing complex.
According to court documents, the shooting happened just after midnight on July 25 inside the Gila Dormitory. Investigators say the suspect, 19-year-old John Fuentes, met with a UNM freshman and two other individuals — including the 14-year-old victim — on the evening of July 24. The group later gathered in the dorm room to play video games.
A witness told police Fuentes appeared to be under the influence of drugs before allegedly shooting the 14-year-old in the head. The witness said Fuentes then pointed the gun at them and shot the UNM student. Both surviving individuals escaped through a window and were later taken to UNM Hospital.
Gunfire was detected by APD’s ShotSpotter system shortly after midnight. Police say Fuentes fled the scene and was later found injured on the roof of the Mesa Vista building, where he had broken several windows. A stolen Glock 9mm handgun, blood stains, and clothing were recovered at the scene.
Surveillance footage showed Fuentes leaving campus and being picked up by two people in a pickup truck around 1:40 a.m. He was arrested later that day on Highway 314 in Los Lunas.
Fuentes is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence.
UNM officials confirmed that new students were on campus for orientation at the time of the shooting. In a letter to the campus community, UNM President Garnett Stokes expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the university’s commitment to safety.
The investigation is ongoing.
