NMSP News:

ARTESIA – On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau (IB) was requested by the Artesia Police Department (APD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred outside the Artesia Public Safety Complex at 3300 W. Main Street in Artesia.

IB agents from Alamogordo responded to the scene and began their investigation. Initial findings revealed that an APD Sergeant discharged one round from his duty weapon at a male individual, later identified as Acadio Lucero, after observing Lucero actively shooting at another male, identified as Mark Rommel.

Through interviews and evidence gathered at the scene, agents determined that the incident stemmed from a planned child custody exchange between Rommel and his estranged female partner. The female was accompanied by her boyfriend, Lucero, who had armed himself before the meeting.

Witness statements indicated that Rommel and Lucero engaged in a brief, non-hostile conversation before Lucero retrieved his firearm and began firing multiple rounds at Rommel.

During his interview with investigators, Lucero admitted to deliberately arming himself and firing at Rommel. The investigation confirmed that Rommel was unarmed at the time of the shooting. As Lucero continued firing at Rommel, the APD Sergeant intervened and fired a single round that struck Lucero, stopping the attack.

The 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office approved an arrest warrant for Lucero on charges of First-Degree Murder. He was taken into custody on Nov. 2, 2023, and booked into the Eddy County Detention Center.

A four-day jury trial began on June 2, 2025, at the Eddy County District Court in Carlsbad. The trial concluded with the jury finding Lucero guilty of First-Degree Murder. He was immediately sentenced to Life in Prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.  

This case was thoroughly investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, with assistance from the New Mexico State Police Crime Scene Team.