In a shocking incident in northern New Mexico, police have arrested a 39-year-old man and his 14-year-old son after the teen allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place at the boy’s home in Questa on a Friday afternoon, where the teenagers were listening to music along with two other juveniles. As the tragic event unfolded, the 14-year-old boy reportedly pulled out a pistol and shot the teenage girl, later dragging her lifeless body outside. Upon returning home, the father, William Brown, and the teen refused to come out of the house for nearly half an hour, leading to their eventual arrest.
The 14-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder, along with two counts of tampering with evidence and two counts of assaulting a police officer, although officials have not disclosed the reason behind the latter charges. Furthermore, Brown, who owned the firearms involved, faces charges of negligent making a firearm accessible to a minor resulting in death. Both father and son have been booked into separate detention centers, with the teen sent to the San Juan Juvenile Detention Center.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, local officials and residents have expressed their grief and condolences. Questa Mayor John Anthony Ortega took to social media to share his sadness over the incident, and a vigil has been scheduled for Sunday evening in remembrance of the young victim. The incident also highlights a disturbing statistic, with approximately 4.6 million minors in the U.S. living in homes where at least one loaded, unlocked firearm is accessible, as reported by the Gifford Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
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