13-year-old boy dead after suffering gunshot wound to head in Las Cruces

13-year-old boy dead after suffering gunshot wound to head in Las Cruces

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head by his friend earlier this week in Las Cruces has died, according to the Las Cruces Police Department on Friday, April 3.

The boy, identified by Picacho Middle School as Chris, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

LCPD stated the suspect, a 13-year-old boy who was facing charges of negligent use of a deadly weapon and possession of a deadly weapon by a minor, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The Juvenile Probation Office has authorized his detention.

The case remains under investigation and at this time, police are not releasing any additional information.

Chris’ mother, Janel Carnero, sent a statement to KTSM saying the thousands of messages about her son have been nothing but kind words about his character.

Chris Carnero. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero



Chris Carnero. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero



Chris Carnero. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero



Chris Carnero. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero



Chris Carnero. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero



Chris Carnero and family. Photo courtesy of Janel Carnero

Chris was an absolutely beautiful soul.

To give you an example, yesterday we have reports and pictures from 9 different schools throughout Las Cruces from Elementary to high schools of kids all wearing pink in support and memory of Chris. We also have had about 30 close friends today alone come to say their goodbyes. We have had over 1000 different messages from parents and friends of his telling us stories or sharing pictures of their time together. Its been overwhelmingly beautiful.

Chris helped us at several events each year for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and back to school events and he was always the kid first to make friends with the shy kids and help them come out if their shell and get them snacks and food. That is our families love language. People adored him because he knew no evil existed in anyone he only ever saw the good in everyone

We’ve had hundreds more reach out via their parents to share their memories of Chris with us. We’ve had moms messaging telling us about how their kids had no friends until they met Chris and he took in everyone.

According to Las Cruces Police Department, the suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting, which occurred Monday evening, March 30, at a home on the 2900 block of Petunia Lane.

Police say Chris was shot and airlifted to University Medical Center of El Paso in critical condition. Authorities said the suspect, who will not be publicly identified due to his age, was located and detained shortly after the incident. He is described as a frequent runaway who has previously been known to possess firearms.

The suspect was later found near Picacho Middle School, and police say they have recovered the firearm believed to have been used.

Picacho Middle School describes Chris as “a bright light on our campus” who “will always be part of our Scorpion family.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time,” the school said in a statement posted on Facebook Thursday, April 2. “We also honor the powerful legacy he leaves through the gift of organ donation, allowing his light to live on in others.”

The school added that counseling and support services are available on campus for any students or staff who may need them.

Friends of the family have started a GoFundMe and Revolution 120 PayPal donation accounts to help with funeral expenses.