Crime
UNM Campus Shooter Identified as 18-Year-Old John Fuentes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Authorities have provided new details regarding a deadly shooting that occurred early Friday morning at the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus.
Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as 18-year-old John Fuentes, who was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals Friday afternoon in Valencia County.
According to investigators, four individuals were “hanging out” and playing video games inside a unit at the Casas del Rio student housing complex when the shooting took place.
A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot, and a 19-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been confirmed, and officials say the circumstances that led to a 14-year-old being present in the campus residence remain unclear.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The incident was reported just before midnight, prompting an immediate response from the UNM Police Department. Officers located the two victims and began securing the area.
Out of an abundance of caution, UNM placed the campus under lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place order while law enforcement worked to determine if the suspect was still on campus. That order has since been lifted, although the crime scene remains active.
Students housed in the nearby Gila building reported hearing four to five gunshots and described scenes of panic as people fled toward a nearby parking lot. Many students remained sheltered in place for hours overnight.
On Friday afternoon, UNMPD began conducting a staged and tactical evacuation of students from the affected areas, urging anyone still on campus not to move without police direction.
The New Mexico State Police have since taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Officials have confirmed that Fuentes was located and arrested without incident in Los Lunas around 2:30 p.m. They believe this was an isolated incident, and no additional suspects are being sought.
The shooting occurred during new student orientation, and officials have confirmed that incoming freshmen, including members of the UNM football team, were residing on the fourth floor of the student housing complex at the time.
At this point, there is no indication that any enrolled students—current or incoming—were directly involved in the incident.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the UNM Police Department at (505) 277-2241 or reach out anonymously to Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-7867 or through their website at www.crimestoppersnm.com.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.