LAS CRUCES – A 13-year-old boy has been declared brain dead following a shooting Monday night at a home in Las Cruces, according to family members and police.
According to KDBC El Paso, the boy, identified by family as Chris Carnero, was shot in the back of the head and later transported to University Medical Center in El Paso, where he remained in critical condition before being declared brain dead.
In a statement shared publicly, the family said the child will go through the process of organ donation, which may take several days before life support is withdrawn. They described him as a caring and compassionate young person who often volunteered at community events and helped classmates and neighbors.
Las Cruces police officers responded shortly before 10:30 p.m. Monday to reports of a gunshot victim at a residence on Petunia Lane. The victim was found with a gunshot wound to the back of the head and was airlifted to the El Paso hospital for treatment.
Investigators said the shooting appears to have been accidental and involved another 13-year-old who was handling a firearm when it discharged. Police later located the suspect near Picacho Middle School and took the juvenile into custody. The weapon used in the shooting was recovered.
Police have indicated the suspect had previously been reported as a frequent runaway and had been linked to prior incidents involving stolen firearms. The investigation remains ongoing.
Family members have asked for privacy as they navigate what they described as an unimaginable tragedy. Community members across Las Cruces have shown support in recent days, including students at multiple schools who wore pink in honor of the child.
A GoFundMe fundraising effort has been established to assist the family with expenses.