Tragedy struck in Cuesta, New Mexico, when a 14-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old girl using his father’s unsecured handgun. The incident, captured on newly released body camera footage, has left the community reeling and ignited a debate about gun safety and parental responsibility.
The incident occurred on July 28th at a residence in Cuesta. According to witness testimonies, the girl, identified as Amber Archuleta, was with a group of friends inside the home of 14-year-old Porfirio Brown. The teenagers were reportedly in good spirits, laughing and spending time together, when Brown allegedly produced a handgun.
Witnesses stated that Brown pointed the gun at Archuleta’s face. As she attempted to move it away, the weapon discharged, striking her. The impact of the gunshot caused Archuleta to collapse.
First responders attending to the scene where 13-year-old Amber Archuleta was fatally shot.
First responders arrived at the scene to find Archuleta suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Body camera footage captured the heartbreaking moment when Archuleta’s father arrived and was informed of his daughter’s fate.
Initially, a narrative of a drive-by shooting emerged. However, as law enforcement investigated further and interviewed witnesses, it became apparent that this was a fabricated story. It was revealed that Brown, along with other witnesses present, had attempted to stage the scene to resemble a drive-by shooting in an attempt to mislead the police.
The investigation also revealed that multiple firearms, including an AK-style rifle, were present in the home and easily accessible to Brown. This discovery led to the arrest of Brown’s father, William Brown, on charges of negligent making a firearm accessible to a minor resulting in death. This case marks the first time charges have been filed under New Mexico’s “Benny’s Law,” enacted in March to hold parents accountable for failing to secure firearms from their children.
The home in Cuesta, New Mexico, where the shooting took place, with evidence markers visible in the foreground.
The tragic death of Amber Archuleta serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the devastating consequences that can occur when firearms are not properly secured. It also highlights the need for open dialogue and stricter legislation to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
Porfirio Brown faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He was initially held in a juvenile detention center but has since been released to the custody of his grandparents. William Brown faces charges related to the accessibility of the firearm. The case continues to send shockwaves through the community as they grapple with the loss of a young life and the circumstances surrounding her death.
