Suspect Arrested in Deadly UNM Dorm Shooting Identified as 18-Year-Old John Fuentes

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Authorities have identified and arrested 18-year-old John Fuentes in connection with a fatal shooting on the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus that left a 14-year-old boy dead and a 19-year-old man injured.

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) confirmed Fuentes was taken into custody Friday afternoon in Valencia County. He now faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. He has been booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The shooting unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning inside Mesa Vista Hall, a dormitory located on UNM’s Albuquerque campus. University police responded to a triggered alarm at approximately 1:36 am. Upon arrival, they discovered broken windows and what appeared to be blood, prompting an immediate investigation. Shortly after, a concerned woman called police, reporting that a family member had heard gunfire in the area.

Around the same time, a 19-year-old male arrived at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), telling medical staff that he had been shot on campus. Based on this report, officers re-entered Mesa Vista Hall, where they found the body of a 14-year-old boy inside one of the rooms. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Campus Violence

As the investigation unfolded, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau took over the case and began piecing together what had occurred. Authorities say that four individuals, including Fuentes, had been inside the dorm room when the incident took place. According to police findings, Fuentes pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the other three people in the room without warning.

The 14-year-old victim died immediately, while the two other surviving individuals managed to flee the scene. Police have not yet released their names.

Officials have not disclosed a motive at this time. Investigators are continuing to work through the evidence and interviews to understand what led to the deadly encounter.

So far, authorities have not confirmed whether Fuentes had any formal connection to the university nor disclosed how the group ended up inside the dorm together. It also remains unclear how the suspect obtained the firearm used in the crime.

In a public statement, the New Mexico State Police emphasized that their Investigations Bureau is still actively working the case and reviewing additional leads. No further details about the victims or possible relationships between them have been released.

The University of New Mexico has yet to issue a full statement, but is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement. Mesa Vista Hall remains under security lockdown while crime scene units continue their work.

Residents and students in the area have been rattled by the violent incident, with many raising concerns about campus safety in the wake of the shooting.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact the New Mexico State Police or UNM Police Department.

This case remains open and under investigation.