Teen Pleads No Contest in Fatal Shooting | Albuquerque News

A 13-year-old from Las Cruces has pleaded no contest to the shooting death of his peer, Chris Carnero, in March, avoiding trial but facing a potential two-year sentence under New Mexico’s juvenile laws. The charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon was dropped in exchange for the plea, with sentencing set for August 11. The victim’s mother, while relieved the trial is over, is frustrated by the limited sentence and the murky circumstances surrounding the stolen gun. The district attorney noted the sentence could extend by a year if the teen exhibits serious behavioral issues in custody. The Carnero family is now calling for urgent reform of New Mexico’s juvenile justice system, urging lawmakers and the public to act before more tragedies unfold. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/908714ae5a15da58