Youth dies in officer-involved shooting

On Tuesday, June 25, New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Otero County Sheriff's Office (OCSO).

According to a press release from NMSP, around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, an OCSO deputy was dispatched to conduct a welfare check on a male subject walking, identified as 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, in the median on U.S. Highway 70 near mile marker 240, between Tularosa and Mescalero.

The deputy located Hadley and as the deputy approached, Hadley presented what appeared to be a firearm at the deputy. The deputy fired at least one round from his duty weapon, striking Hadley.

Agents later learned the object that Hadley presented at the deputy was an air soft gun. Hadley was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The deputy was not injured.

The OCSO deputy will not be identified by the New Mexico State Police. For information on his duty status or administrative actions taken, please contact the Otero County Sheriff’s Office.

New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.

The New Mexico State Police acts solely as a factfinder in officer involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That decision rests with the district attorney’s office. This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.