November 20 – An Albuquerque teen is charged with murder after police accused him of fatally shooting a man late Friday night during a fight at a party in the small community of Myers, just south of Las Vegas, NM
Jeremiah Salazar, 18, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, unlawful carrying of a handgun and negligent use of a deadly weapon while intoxicated, according to documents filed Saturday in San Miguel County Magistrate Court .
New Mexico State Police allege Salazar shot and killed 23-year-old Gabriel Rivera after the two had a verbal dispute that turned physical, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police allege Salazar also shot and wounded a woman who was not involved in the fight.
The woman suffered a gunshot wound to the wrist and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police wrote in a news release Wednesday.
The incident occurred during a birthday party at a home in Myers, off US 84 east of Interstate 25.
Police found Salazar walking on the road about a mile from the home where the shooting occurred, the affidavit said, adding that he had a gun with him when he was arrested.
Fourth Judicial District prosecutors filed a request Tuesday to have Salazar jailed pending trial on the charges. A hearing on the detention request was scheduled for Monday.
State Police Chief Troy Weisler said in the news release, “As a state, we see the harmful and devastating effects of gun violence, especially among our youth.”
“This is not just a law enforcement issue, this is a social issue, a community issue that requires intervention from all corners of the community,” he said, adding “the security of our state depends on it.”
