QUESTA, NEW MEXICO: A New Mexico father and his teen son have been placed under arrest after the 14-year-old allegedly used one of his father's firearms to fatally shoot a 13-year-old girl at their Questa residence on Friday, July 28. According to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, the tragic incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm while a group of four juveniles was gathered inside the boy's home, engaging in music and leisure.
Following the shooting, the 14-year-old teen dragged the fatally wounded body of the girl outside and went back inside, authorities said. Shortly after the shooting, the father of the 14-year-old, William Brown, returned home.
Standoff for 30 minutes
Authorities said both he and his son engaged in a standoff with state police, refusing to leave the house for around 30 minutes.
The identity of the 14-year-old boy has not been disclosed by officials, but he is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence (two counts), and assault on a police officer (two counts). However, the specific details leading to the assault charges have not been clarified by the public safety department.
Concurrently, William is facing charges for allegedly negligently allowing a firearm to be accessed by a minor, which resulted in the girl's tragic death. Both father and son were booked at separate detention centers, with the 14-year-old being held in a juvenile facility.
'My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, community members'
The Questa community has been deeply affected by the heartbreaking incident, and Village Mayor John Anthony Ortega expressed his sadness while extending thoughts and prayers to the affected families and first responders. “I am saddened by the tragedy that happened yesterday,” Questa Village Mayor John Anthony Ortega wrote in a Facebook post. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, community members, and First Responders who were affected by it.”
Out of respect for the victim's family, her name has been withheld by the public safety department. As the investigation continues, state authorities plan to provide gathered information to the district attorney's office for further examination.
