A tragic shooting at the University of New Mexico (UNM) early on Friday, July 25, 2025, left a 14 year old male dead, a 19 year old injured, and prompted a campuswide manhunt for the suspect, who was later arrested.(Globedge)
Incident Overview
- At approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, multiple gunshots were reported inside the Casas del Rio student housing complex on UNM’s central Albuquerque campus. Police who responded discovered broken windows and blood inside the building, initiating a campus-wide shelter in place order.(CBS News)
- Four people three students and the suspect had been playing video games in a dorm room when the shooting occurred. The 14 year old victim was shot and later found dead in the room, while the 19 year old fled and later arrived at a hospital with a non life threatening gunshot injury.(CBS News)
Shelter-in-Place and Evacuations
- UNM issued an official shelter-in-place notice by 6:17 a.m., advising students to remain indoors and avoid central campus areas. Parts of the campus were evacuated, especially areas surrounding student housing. The central campus remained closed for much of the day; the Health Sciences Center stayed open.(The Sun)
- Students were eventually allowed to eat in the dining hall and return to their dorms, but continued to be warned to avoid the active crime scene.(AP News)
Manhunt and Arrest
- Initially, law enforcement said the suspect was at large and possibly still on campus, triggering a large scale manhunt. A $1,000 reward was offered for information.(Trump news)
- Later in the afternoon, 18-year-old John Fuentes was arrested during a traffic stop in Valencia County, approximately 25 miles south of Albuquerque. State police identified him as the lone suspect and confirmed no other suspects were being sought. He was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center.(KOAT)
Victims, Identities & Investigation
- The deceased is a 14 year old boy. The surviving victim, described only as a 19 year old male, is hospitalized with non life threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the identities of either victim.(KOB.com)
- Investigators are working with prosecutors to file charges, likely including murder and additional counts for the 18 year old suspect. The motive remains unclear.(ABC News)
Community Impact & Reactions
- UNM President Garnett S. Stokes issued a statement expressing sorrow and emphasizing support for students and staff, noting the tragedy occurred during orientation week for new students. Counseling services remain available to the community.
- New Mexico State Rep. Marianna Anaya and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller also expressed condolences and highlighted concerns over youth related violence, citing the broader context of rising gun violence in the state. Calls emerged for legislative action.
Broader Context & Significance
- UNM’s central campus houses about 23,000 students, including over 400 orientation attendees at the time. The dorm complex affected, Casas del Rio, shelters over 1,000 students and was staffed by American Campus Communities.
- The incident follows earlier campus shootings in New Mexico, prompting renewed debate over gun violence prevention, especially among youth and in academic settings
Summary
On July 25, 2025, a shooting at UNM’s Casas del Rio dorm resulted in the tragic death of a 14 year old and injuries to a 19 year old during orientation activities. Initially reported as an active suspect manhunt, authorities later arrested 18 year old John Fuentes in Valencia County. The event prompted campus closures, shelter in place orders, evacuations, and widespread grief. The motive remains under investigation. The incident underscores heightened concerns about gun violence among young people and has spurred calls for legislative attention in New Mexico.
