A tragic incident unfolded in northern New Mexico as police arrested a man and his 14-year-old son following the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl. The identities of the teenagers involved have not been disclosed. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the group of teenagers, including the 14-year-old boy, were listening to music at his home in Questa. The boy allegedly retrieved a pistol, shot the girl, and then moved her body outside. Upon returning home, the boy’s father, William Brown, and the teenager barricaded themselves inside the house for approximately 30 minutes before surrendering to the authorities.
The 14-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in addition two counts of tampering with evidence and two counts of assaulting a police officer. The reasons behind the assault charges have not been disclosed by officials. Brown, who is believed to be the owner of the firearms involved, has been charged with negligent making a firearm accessible to a minor resulting in death. Both the teenager and his father have been booked into separate detention centers.
Authorities have not provided any information regarding the two other juveniles who were present at the time of the shooting. The community of Questa has been deeply affected by this tragedy, with Mayor John Anthony Ortega expressing his sadness in a social media post. A vigil has been scheduled for Sunday evening to honor the young victim.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial to address the issue of firearm safety and responsible ownership. Approximately 4.6 million minors in the United States live in households where at least one loaded and unlocked firearm is present, according to the Gifford Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
