Questa teen accused of murdering 13-year-old takes plea deal

TAOS, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a shooting that shocked a community; a teen accused of shooting and killing his friend at his Questa home in July of 2023. His first trial ended in a hung jury and now he has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Porfirio Brown, who was 14 at the time , faced charges for shooting and killing 13-year-old Amber Archuleta at his father’s home last summer in Questa. He faced a second-degree murder charge, tampering with evidence, and attempted assault of a peace officer charges for the shooting.

Brown claimed he never pulled the trigger. His case went to trial in March, which ended in a hung jury .

Brown was expected to go to trial again, but on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and will have one year of probation. His other charges were dropped.

“He will be on supervised probation for a year. He could get off early if he does really well. He’s done perfect while he’s been out, while the case has been pending,” said Brown’s attorney, Lizzy Bunker.

The family of Amber Archuleta spoke in court Thursday and shared with KRQE that they feel the justice system and law enforcement from the case failed them.

“We are grateful that Mr. Brown did admit some guilt in the incident. We will continue fighting for justice. We didn’t get the outcome that we wanted or needed,” said Amber Archuleta’s aunt, Glenda Alnachef.

Porfirio’s dad, William Brown, went to trial. He was being charged under Bennie’s Bill, which aims to hold gun owners accountable when a minor uses their weapon to hurt or threaten someone. A jury found him not guilty in June .

In a statement to KRQE, the Eighth Judicial District Attorney said:

“Amber Archuleta’s young, bright, and loving life was taken, and there is nothing that the criminal justice system can deliver that will help in the recovery of such a tragic loss.

After the first trial ending in a hung jury, and after the Bennie’s Bill trial ending in an acquittal, the family did not need or necessarily want a third trial. What the Archuleta family and community needs, in some way, gets with this plea agreement is some accountability and finally an opportunity to put this chapter of grieving behind them.”

Eighth Judicial District Attorney Marcus Montoya.

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