13-Year-Old Faces Sentencing in Fatal Shooting

A 13-year-old boy has pleaded no contest in connection with the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Chris Carnero. The incident occurred in Las Cruces on March 30 and was characterized as an accident by the defense attorney.

The teen faced charges including involuntary manslaughter and negligent use of a deadly weapon. The charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Sentencing is slated for August 11.

Under New Mexico law, the maximum sentence for a child under 14 is two years, though it can be extended by one year under specific circumstances. The victim's mother voiced mixed emotions, relief at avoiding a trial, but frustration over the potential sentence.

She is now calling for reforms to the juvenile justice code, which has not seen significant updates since the 1990s. Chris Carnero was airlifted to an El Paso hospital and later declared brain dead. His family chose to donate his kidney.