New Mexico State Police continues to investigate fatal shooting of teen in Otero County
The State of New Mexico is continuing its investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this summer in Otero County, resulting in the death of a teenager who allegedly pointed an airsoft gun at a sheriff’s deputy, according to a recent update from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) on Tuesday, August 27.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau has completed its case file on the incident and submitted it to the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Alamogordo, as stated by NMDPS. Additionally, the case has been assigned to the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Bernalillo County for further review.
While NMDPS did not specifically name the teenager involved in their update, they confirmed to KTSM that the case pertains to Elijah Hadley.
The incident took place on July 25, when a deputy from the Otero County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a welfare check on a person walking along U.S. Highway 70 near mile marker 240. According to the initial release from New Mexico State Police, the 17-year-old, later identified as Elijah Hadley, was holding an airsoft gun and allegedly pointed it at the deputy, who then fired “at least” one round from his service weapon. Hadley was pronounced dead at the scene.
On August 15, New Mexico Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie, along with New Mexico State Police command staff and a representative from the Governor’s Office, met with leaders of the Mescalero Apache tribe to provide an update on the case.
“We are committed to providing an accurate account of the events, and our priority is to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation,” Bowie stated. “Maintaining open communication with tribal leadership and family members is crucial for building and sustaining strong, trust-based relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
NMSP Chief W. Troy Weisler emphasized the importance of community trust in the investigative process, urging patience as the investigation progresses.
Key aspects of the investigation are still pending, including additional analysis from the Department of Public Safety Laboratory and the Office of the Medical Investigator, NMDPS noted.
“This process involves gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and sharing our 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 lies with the District Attorney’s Office,” the NMDPS statement concluded.
