Teen Fatally Shot in University of New Mexico Dorm: 18-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — July 26, 2025 — A tragic shooting on the campus of the University of New Mexico (UNM) has left a 14-year-old boy dead and another teenager seriously injured. The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau is actively leading the investigation following the early morning violence that unfolded at Mesa Vista Hall, a dormitory on the UNM campus, on Friday, July 25.

According to authorities, the UNM Police Department (UNMPD) requested assistance from state police shortly after 1:36 a.m., when officers responded to an alarm activation at Mesa Vista Hall. Upon arrival, officers observed broken windows and visible blood near the scene. Within moments, UNMPD was alerted by a caller concerned about reports of gunfire from a relative on campus.

Shortly thereafter, the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) notified campus police that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the emergency department with a gunshot wound, reporting that he had been shot while on campus.

Grim Discovery at Dorm Room in Casas del Rio

As officers conducted a security sweep of surrounding buildings, they made a grim discovery inside a dorm room in the Casas del Rio residential complex. There, police found the body of a 14-year-old male, later identified as Michael Lamotte, who had died from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In response to the active investigation and to preserve critical evidence, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the UNM campus.

Shooting Began During Gathering to Play Video Games

According to details from the preliminary investigation and a criminal complaint, four individuals had gathered in the dorm room to play video games. During the gathering, 18-year-old John Fuentes allegedly produced a firearm and began shooting at the others.

Michael Lamotte was fatally shot, while another teenager sustained a gunshot wound to the head but survived.

Authorities say Fuentes and the remaining survivors fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Suspect Arrested in Valencia County

By approximately 2:30 p.m. the same day, investigators located Fuentes at a smoke shop in Los Lunas, located off NM 314 in Valencia County. He was taken into custody without incident by New Mexico State Police. An older woman who was with him in the vehicle was briefly detained and later released.

Fuentes was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he was booked on multiple serious charges, including:

• First-degree murder
• Aggravated battery
• Aggravated assault
• Tampering with evidence

Ongoing Investigation, Additional Charges Possible

Authorities confirm the investigation is far from over. Officials say additional charges may be filed against other individuals believed to have aided Fuentes after the shooting.

“While a suspect is in custody, our work continues to ensure every person involved is held accountable,” an NMSP spokesperson said. “We urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.”

Campus on Edge After Tragedy

The violent incident has sent shockwaves through the UNM campus and broader Albuquerque community, particularly due to the young age of the victim and the circumstances of the shooting. University officials have extended condolences to the families involved and are offering counseling services to students and staff impacted by the tragedy.

How to Help

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau or submit a tip through their anonymous hotline. Police are especially interested in anyone who may have seen Fuentes after the shooting or has knowledge of those who may have helped him evade capture.

More updates will be provided as the investigation continues.