ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A tragic and shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of July 25, 2025, when a 14-year-old boy, Michael Lamotte, was fatally shot inside a dorm room on the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus. The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau has taken over the case as the community reels from the violent loss of a young life in what authorities are calling an isolated but devastating act.
Alarm Call and Grim Discovery
According to the New Mexico State Police, at approximately 1:36 a.m., UNM Police Department (UNM PD) officers were dispatched to Mesa Vista Hall in response to an alarm activation. Upon arrival, they found broken windows and signs of blood, prompting an urgent search of the premises. During the initial stages of the investigation, officers were contacted by a woman who said a family member had heard gunshots on campus.
Shortly thereafter, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) notified UNM PD that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim claimed he had been shot on the UNM campus, confirming suspicions that a serious incident had just occurred.
While conducting a security sweep of surrounding dormitories, UNM officers made a grim discovery—a 14-year-old male, later identified as Michael Lamotte, was found deceased inside a dorm room in the Casas del Rio residential complex.
Investigation Details Emerge
To ensure the preservation of critical evidence, UNM PD issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby buildings while they secured the scene. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau soon arrived to take over the case.
According to the criminal complaint, Michael Lamotte was among a group of four individuals who had been hanging out in a dorm room, reportedly playing video games late into the night. For reasons that remain under investigation, one of the individuals—later identified as 18-year-old John Fuentes—opened fire on the group.
Michael was fatally struck, while the others—including the injured 19-year-old—fled the scene, leaving Michael behind. Fuentes himself also fled.
Manhunt and Arrest
A swift and coordinated manhunt led authorities to track down John Fuentes by 2:30 p.m. that same day. He was located at a smoke shop off NM-314 in Valencia County, where New Mexico State Police officers arrested him without incident.
During the arrest, an older woman in the vehicle with Fuentes was briefly detained and later released, though her relationship to the suspect has not been confirmed.
Community Response
The UNM community and greater Albuquerque area are mourning the death of Michael Lamotte, a 14-year-old whose presence on campus and relationship to the university have not yet been clarified publicly. His death has sparked widespread grief, disbelief, and concern over how a minor came to be involved in such a deadly situation inside student housing.
UNM officials have expressed their condolences and confirmed that counseling resources are being made available to affected students and staff. In a statement, university leadership said:
“This is a heartbreaking and profoundly disturbing event. Our hearts go out to the family of Michael Lamotte and to all who were impacted by this senseless act of violence.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting. Fuentes faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful possession of a firearm on school grounds.
The New Mexico State Police are asking anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation remains active. Updates, including possible accomplices, motives, and formal charges, are expected in the coming days.
This tragedy marks yet another deeply unsettling chapter in the growing trend of youth-involved gun violence, prompting renewed discussions on campus safety, firearm access, and the mental health crisis among young people.
More details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
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