NMSP News:
MYERS — Nov. 16, 2024, New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau Agents were called to 1096 County Road B27 in Myers, NM to investigate a homicide.
Agents learned that around 11 p.m., Nov. 15, 2024, a call came into 911 advising of a male shot in the chest.
Gabriel Rivera, 23, and Jeremiah Salazar, 18, were attending a party at the residence when they got into a verbal dispute which turned physical. At some point, Salazar brandished a handgun and shot Rivera.
A bystander not involved in the initial altercation was also shot. After the shooting, Salazar fled the scene.
Rivera succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The bystander was taken to a local area hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
NMSP officers located Salazar walking on the side of the road and took him into custody. Salazar was found to be in possession of a firearm.
Salazar was arrested and booked into the San Miguel Detention Center.
He is charged with the following:
- Murder in the 2nd Degree
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
- Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon
“As a state, we are seeing the harmful and devastating impact of gun violence, particularly among our youth.” NMSP Police Chief Troy Weisler said. “This is not just a law enforcement issue, this is a social issue, a community issue that requires intervention from all corners of the community, the safety of our state depends on it.”
