ALBUQUERQUE, NM – An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy on the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus late Friday night, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified debates over campus safety and youth violence.

The suspect, identified by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) as Elias Chavez, was taken into custody Saturday afternoon. He is accused of fatally shooting 14-year-old Samuel Martinez following an altercation near the Duck Pond, a popular campus landmark.

The Incident and Investigation

According to a statement from APD, officers responded to reports of gunfire on the UNM main campus at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25. Upon arrival, they discovered Martinez with a single gunshot wound. He was transported to University of New Mexico Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators said that evidence gathered from campus surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts quickly led them to identify Chavez as the primary suspect. "The diligent work of our detectives, in close partnership with the UNM Police Department, allowed for a swift identification and apprehension in this tragic case," said APD Chief Harold Medina in a press conference on Sunday.

Court documents filed over the weekend allege that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups of teenagers, none of whom were enrolled students at the university. Chavez now faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

University and Community Leaders Respond

The shooting has prompted an immediate response from university officials, who have sought to reassure students and faculty of the campus's safety while mourning the loss of a young life.

"We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence that occurred on our campus," UNM President Garnett S. Stokes said in a campus-wide email. "While the individuals involved were not members of our student body, our campus is a community space, and this tragedy affects us all. We are increasing security patrols and offering counseling services to anyone in our community who needs support."

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller described the incident as a "devastating reminder of the scourge of gun violence affecting our youth." He vowed to continue working with law enforcement and community partners to address the root causes of violent crime in the city.

A Community in Mourning

The incident has left the Albuquerque community reeling, particularly as it involves two young people. A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has been growing near the Duck Pond since Saturday. A community vigil for Samuel Martinez has been organized for Monday evening at a nearby park.

Community advocates are pointing to the shooting as a critical call to action. "This is not just a law enforcement issue; it's a public health crisis," said Maria Garcia, a director at a local youth outreach program. "We need more investment in preventative programs, mental health resources, and safe spaces for our teenagers."

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. For now, a university campus and a city are left to grapple with the violent death of a child and the profound questions it raises.