14-Year-Old Killed in UNM Dorm Shooting; 18-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After Campus Manhunt
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — July 26, 2025 — A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot and another teen critically injured during an early morning shooting at the University of New Mexico, prompting a campus lockdown and a fast-moving investigation that ended with the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect hours later.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is leading the case after responding to a request from the University of New Mexico Police Department (UNMPD) following reports of gunfire inside Mesa Vista Hall, a student housing facility.
Timeline of Events
According to officials, the incident began around 1:36 a.m. Friday, when UNM campus police responded to an alarm activation at Mesa Vista Hall. Upon arrival, officers found broken windows and what appeared to be blood at the scene. Minutes later, a concerned woman called police after hearing from a relative who was on campus and reported hearing gunshots.
Around the same time, the University of New Mexico Hospital informed police that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the emergency department with a gunshot wound, claiming he had been shot on campus.
During a sweep of nearby dormitories, officers entered a unit inside Casas del Rio and discovered the body of 14-year-old Michael Lamotte, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shooter Identified as Fellow Teen
Authorities say that four individuals were gathered inside the dorm room to play video games. During the gathering, 18-year-old John Fuentes allegedly pulled a firearm and opened fire on the group.
Lamotte was killed, and another teen suffered a gunshot wound to the head but survived. Police say Fuentes and the remaining individuals fled the room immediately after the shooting.
The motive remains unclear, and investigators continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Manhunt Ends with Suspect in Custody
By 2:30 p.m. Friday, NMSP investigators tracked down Fuentes at a smoke shop off NM 314 in Los Lunas, about 30 miles south of Albuquerque. He was taken into custody without incident. A woman who was with Fuentes at the time was temporarily detained and later released.
Fuentes has been booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on the following charges:
- First-degree murder
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
- Tampering with evidence
Officials say additional charges may be filed if it’s determined others helped Fuentes after the incident.
Campus Lockdown and Community Shock
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the UNM campus during the early stages of the investigation out of an abundance of caution. That order has since been lifted.
The University of New Mexico released a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and is providing grief counseling services for students and staff.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through both the UNM community and the state, especially given the age of the victim and the location — inside a university residence hall.
Investigation Ongoing
The New Mexico State Police continue to investigate, reviewing surveillance footage, gathering forensic evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, especially those who may have witnessed Fuentes after the shooting or know of anyone who may have helped him escape.
“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young person and left another seriously wounded,” said an NMSP spokesperson. “We are committed to holding those responsible fully accountable.”
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.