NMSP News:
OTERO COUNTY – The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau has completed and submitted a case file to the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Alamogordo concerning the officer-involved shooting by an Otero County Sheriff’s Officer on June 25, 2024 (link). The case has been assigned to the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for further review.
In line with ongoing efforts to keep the community informed, New Mexico Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie, along with NMSP command staff and a representative from the Governor’s office, met with Mescalero Apache tribal leaders on Aug. 15, 2024, to provide an overview of the investigation process and an update on the status of the investigation.
“We are committed to delivering an accurate account of the events and it is our priority is to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation,” Secretary Bowie said. “Open communication with tribal leadership and the family members are essential for building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships between the police and the communities they serve.”
“Our goal is to ensure the community has confidence in the process,” NMSP Chief W. Troy Weisler said. “We ask the community to be patient as we work through the process.”
Key aspects of the investigation require additional analysis and are still pending from the Department of Public Safety Laboratory and the Office of the Medical Investigator. This involves the collection of evidence, conducting interviews, and sharing investigative findings with the District Attorney for review. NMSP acts solely as a factfinder in such incidents and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified; that decision is the responsibility of the District Attorney’s Office.
About the Department of Public Safety:
The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to protect human life and property through the detection and prevention of criminal activity and enforcement of state laws. To provide vital leadership, scientific, training, technical, and operational support to the criminal justice community and the public.