Below is a statement from Las Cruces City Manager Ifo Pili regarding the April 16, 2022, incident on Fir Avenue. No additional information is available at this time.
Here is the statement:
The investigation into the April 16 shooting on Fir Avenue is ongoing by the Officer-involved Incident Task Force and findings will be presented to the District Attorney’s office. Furthermore, there is pending litigation on this matter, limiting what we are able to comment on at this time.
However, I would like to provide a few comments.
First, we do not take critical incidents such as this lightly, especially when there is a loss of life. We, again, extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Amelia Baca. Any loss of life, no matter the circumstances, is tragic.
Secondly, while we are hoping for a prompt investigation, it is more important that it is done in a correct and thorough manner. All calls for service are unique and offer their own distinct set of circumstances. Witnesses are being interviewed and facts are being verified by detectives, and we do not want a potential witness – including the officers who were on scene – to formulate opinions or statements based on what they hear or see in news reports. The investigation relies on various factors including forensic and toxicology reports completed by the state and other outside agencies.
Finally, the officer at the center of this incident is still on administrative leave. We will identify or confirm the officer’s name when the investigation allows.