As the Officer-involved Incident Task Force delves into the circumstances surrounding the Thursday morning shooting on the 900 block of Walnut Street, the community awaits answers. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, led to the death of one individual, whose identity remains unconfirmed, and non-life-threatening injuries to another. It has placed an officer from the Las Cruces Police Department on paid administrative leave, according to protocol.
The Las Cruces community is preparing for updates as a news conference is set for May 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, as reported by the City of Las Cruces. In a brief geared for clarity amidst sorrow, Chief Jeremy Story expressed the department's concurrent obligation to honor a fallen comrade, Officer Jonah Hernandez, during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., and the need for transparency in this ongoing investigation, stating, "Due to the unfortunate timing of this incident, and with many of our department members traveling to Washington, D.C., for National Police Week to honor Officer Jonah Hernandez, we will delay having a news conference until after our return," as obtained by the City of Las Cruces. They recognize the community’s yearning for understanding as they walk this tightrope of duty.
Investigative efforts are collaborative, drawing on resources from New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Police Department, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State University Police. Together, this task force is dedicated to unearthing facts and writing stories that the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office will later scrutinize.
