Community demands change after teen’s death

A grieving Las Cruces family joined local leaders Monday, April 13, at Las Cruces City Hall, urging stronger action after the fatal shooting of a local 13-year-old who was shot by a 13-year-old the family had provided a place to stay.

The gathering, organized by community members including Marci Dickerson, brought together law enforcement, lawmakers and residents calling for accountability and prevention. Janel Carnero, the victim’s mother, said her son Chris's death was preventable and called on both residents and officials to do more to protect young people. 

“This was not an accident,” she said. 

The boy who allegedly shot Chris is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Carnero also spoke about the environment she tried to create for children in her home. 

“We wanted to show them what love was like, especially when so many have never experienced it before,” Carnero said. “Chris embodied that spirit. He came to us because his friend didn’t have a place to sleep.” 

Dickerson called on the community to stay engaged and hold leaders accountable. 

“We have to make sure our voices are heard,” she said. “This doesn’t stop here — we have to continue showing up and demanding change.” 

According to Las Cruces police, the number of juveniles found with firearms has increased from 18 cases in 2018 to 58 in 2025. Officials also noted a sharp rise in drive-by shootings, and more than 1,000 firearms have been reported stolen in the past five years. Lt. Bradley of the Las Cruces Police Department said the trend reflects a broader shift in how firearms are viewed among youth. 

“We are seeing this for a lot of reasons, but one of the reasons we are seeing it is a cultural shift among young men,” Bradley said. “Carrying firearms has become a status symbol. It has become an accessory.” 

State lawmakers also pointed to challenges in passing legislation aimed at addressing juvenile crime. Sen. Bill Soules said efforts to strengthen laws around serious juvenile offenders have repeatedly stalled. 

“We’ve introduced legislation to address this, but it hasn’t moved forward,” Soules said. 

Sen. Crystal Diamond-Brantley emphasized the need for both accountability and long-term solutions. 

“We have to find solutions that protect our communities and our children,” she said. 

Speakers also stressed the need for prevention, including expanded youth programs, mentorship opportunities, and earlier intervention. Angela Garcia, a community advocate and owner of Toy Box Learning Centers, said early support systems are critical in addressing youth violence. 

“We need to give kids opportunities and support before they ever get to this point,” Garcia said. 

Organizers encouraged residents to stay engaged through local elections and community efforts aimed at reducing youth violence.