Accident – Death – Obituary News :

New Mexico Police Officer Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Shooting

In a tragic incident last October, a New Mexico police officer, Felipe Hernandez, has been charged with second-degree murder following the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Teresa Gomez during a routine traffic stop. This development came to light on Tuesday when Hernandez turned himself in and now faces the serious charge, along with a firearm enhancement.

As the investigation continues, Hernandez is currently on administrative leave pending further legal proceedings. This incident has raised concerns about police protocol and the use of deadly force, as highlighted by the Doña Ana County District Attorney Gerald Byers. He expressed his disappointment with Hernandez’s actions, stating that the officer’s interactions with Gomez were subpar and did not meet the standards expected of law enforcement officers at Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD).

After an extensive review of the evidence submitted by the officer-involved shooting task force, the District Attorney’s office determined that there was no necessity for Hernandez to resort to deadly force. Byers emphasized that self-defense was not a factor in this case, further questioning the officer’s decision-making during the encounter.

The incident was captured on body camera footage, which shows Hernandez, an eight-year veteran officer, firing at Gomez multiple times as she attempted to flee the scene after the traffic stop occurred around 5 a.m. on October 3. Obtained by KFOX14, the nine-minute video depicts Hernandez requesting Gomez to step out of her car for questioning at a public housing complex, where she was parked.

Despite Hernandez’s confrontation about Gomez’s alleged trespassing after hours, she initially remains in the vehicle. During this time, Hernandez mentions that the passenger in Gomez’s car has a history of trespassing in the area. Allegedly, this passenger pulled out a paintball gun from his waistband when Hernandez asked Gomez to exit the vehicle.

Eventually, after Hernandez threatens to use a taser, Gomez complies and steps out of her car. However, instead of waiting as instructed while Hernandez writes a report, she abruptly runs off. The bodycam footage captures the officer commanding her to stop before firing three rounds.

Fortunately, Jesus Garcia, the passenger in Gomez’s vehicle, was unharmed and subsequently arrested on misdemeanor and felony warrants. However, the tragic outcome of Gomez’s encounter with Hernandez has prompted her family to file a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging excessive force and violation of her civil rights.

The emotional impact of this incident is evident, with Johny Gomez, Teresa’s son, expressing his distress over how the officer spoke to his mother in the video. He described it as difficult for any family member to witness a grown man treating their loved one in such a disrespectful manner.

This incident has also brought attention to Hernandez’s previous involvement in multiple use-of-force incidents. The Las Cruces Police Department has faced criticism for its alleged lack of internal oversight and supervision, which some claim has fostered a culture of aggression and contributed to the unnecessary loss of life in this case.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Hernandez could face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of this disturbing incident will continue to be closely monitored.

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