Albuquerque, NM — In a tragic turn of events, the University of New Mexico (UNM) community is grappling with the devastating loss of 14-year-old Michael Lamotte, a student who was fatally shot early Friday morning, July 25, 2025, at the Mesa Vista Hall dormitory on campus. The fatal shooting occurred during what authorities are describing as an altercation involving four teenagers inside a dorm room at the student housing complex.

According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau (NMSP), the shooting prompted a full-scale investigation, which began after UNM Police officers responded to an alarm activation at approximately 1:36 a.m. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found broken windows and signs of blood near the dormitory complex, but it wasn’t until the investigation deepened that the full extent of the tragedy became clear.

In a statement released by the NMSP, it was revealed that one of the involved individuals, a 19-year-old male, arrived at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) shortly after the shooting, suffering from a gunshot wound. He reportedly informed hospital staff that he had been shot on campus, setting off further alarms.

Unfolding Events: A Shocking Discovery in the Dormitory

Shortly after receiving the report of the shooting, UNM police officers continued to conduct a security sweep of the campus. As part of their investigation, officers entered one of the dorm rooms in the nearby Casas del Rio student housing complex. Inside, they discovered the lifeless body of Michael Lamotte, a 14-year-old student who had been shot fatally during the incident.

The scene was a grim and heartbreaking one, with officers finding Lamotte’s body in the room after it was determined that he had been shot during an altercation between the teenagers. Lamotte, who was described by those who knew him as a promising young student, was pronounced dead at the scene. His tragic loss has left his family, friends, and the entire community in shock and mourning.

In the aftermath of the discovery, the University of New Mexico Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order to ensure the safety of students and staff while the investigation was conducted. Authorities from the New Mexico State Police quickly took over the case, as they are now leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

The Suspect: John Fuentes

According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred when four individuals, including Lamotte, gathered in the dorm room to play video games. At some point during the evening, the atmosphere turned violent. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old John Fuentes, reportedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the other individuals in the room. Lamotte, the youngest of the group, was fatally shot during the altercation.

In addition to Lamotte’s death, another teenager, also in the room at the time, sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Fortunately, this victim survived the shooting, although their injuries are described as serious. The situation escalated quickly, and after the shots were fired, Fuentes and the other individuals involved fled the scene.

The University of New Mexico Police Department, working alongside the New Mexico State Police, immediately launched a manhunt for Fuentes. By approximately 2:30 p.m. the same day, Fuentes was located in Valencia County, New Mexico, and taken into custody without incident. He was found at a smoke shop in Los Lunas, New Mexico, where he was apprehended by law enforcement.

At the time of his arrest, an older woman who was with Fuentes in the vehicle was detained for questioning but was later released. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether she played any role in the events that transpired before or after the shooting.

Charges Against John Fuentes

John Fuentes has been formally charged with multiple offenses following the deadly shooting. The charges include first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. Fuentes was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming for individuals who may have assisted Fuentes after the shooting. The nature of these potential charges remains unclear at this time, and the New Mexico State Police have not provided further details about any additional individuals involved in the case.

A Community in Shock and Grief

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the University of New Mexico campus and the broader Albuquerque community. Many students, faculty, and staff are struggling to come to terms with the violence that unfolded in one of the university’s dormitories, especially given the tragic loss of a young life.

Local residents and classmates of Lamotte have shared their grief on social media, remembering him as a kind-hearted and bright individual who had a bright future ahead of him. Lamotte’s untimely death has left a deep emotional wound, and his classmates are rallying together to support his family and honor his memory.

The fact that the shooting took place on a university campus during a time when incoming students were beginning their orientation adds to the heartbreak of the situation. Authorities have stated that there is no indication that any enrolled students were directly involved in the incident, and that the situation appears to have been isolated to the individuals involved.

Investigation and Next Steps

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau continues to examine the details of the case, piecing together the events that led up to the shooting. Investigators are working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine what exactly triggered the altercation between the individuals. They are also seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could shed light on the situation.

As law enforcement works to uncover the full extent of what happened on that tragic night, the public has been urged to come forward with any relevant information. The University of New Mexico Police Department and the New Mexico State Police have made it clear that they are committed to finding justice for Lamotte and his family.

Ongoing Support for the Community

The University of New Mexico has announced that grief counseling services will be made available for students, staff, and faculty who may have been affected by the tragic incident. Counseling services will help individuals process their emotions and cope with the trauma associated with the shooting. The university has also expressed its support for Lamotte’s family and the victim who survived the attack.

The support of the community has been immense, with many people offering condolences and expressing their sorrow over the tragic loss. Students have rallied together to honor Lamotte’s memory, and there is an outpouring of support for his family as they navigate this difficult time.

The Road Ahead

As the investigation continues, it is clear that the pain caused by this tragedy will not be easily forgotten. The events that transpired at Mesa Vista Hall on the night of July 25 have forever altered the lives of those involved, and the ripples of this loss will be felt across the campus for years to come.

For the family of Michael Lamotte, the grief is unimaginable. His tragic death is a stark reminder of the vulnerability young people face, even in places that are meant to be safe, such as a college dormitory. The incident serves as a call to action for improved measures to protect students from violence and ensure that campuses remain safe environments for learning and growth.

As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served, and that those responsible for the death of Michael Lamotte will be held accountable for their actions. For now, the community is left to grieve and remember the young life that was tragically cut short.