Crime
18-year-old Josiah Perrault killed by Las Cruces police in May 8 shooting
The Las Cruces Police Department has identified the individual fatally shot by an officer on the morning of May 8, 2025, as 18-year-old Josiah Perrault.
The shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the 900 block of Walnut Street, though authorities have released limited details about the circumstances leading up to the incident.
According to an official statement from the City of Las Cruces, a second male individual believed to be involved in the incident was also injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes investigators from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State University Police, is actively investigating the case.
The task force is responsible for gathering evidence and collecting witness statements, which will then be forwarded to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
To allow time for the completion of witness interviews and accommodate Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story and other department officials attending National Police Week in Washington, D.C., a press conference originally anticipated sooner has been rescheduled. City officials announced that the briefing will now take place at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 20, in the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 700 N. Main Street.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.