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Teen pleads no contest in fatal Las Cruces shooting death

Support local news. Please select your privacy preferences to continue. Boy killed another 13-year-old, Chris Carnero, in March; sentencing set for Aug. 11 A 13-year-old boy has pleaded no contest in the fatal shooting of another 13-year-old in Las Cruces in late March. The teen, who was not identified by police due to his age, was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of negligent use of a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a deadly weapon by a minor in the death of Chris Carnero.

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Scoop News DeskLas Cruces · Published Friday, July 31, 2026 at 1:07 AM UTCUpdated Friday, July 31, 2026 at 6:17 AM UTC

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The negligent use of a deadly weapon charge was dismissed, according to the plea agreement. “This was 100% an accident and my client feels horrible about what happened,” said Lindsay McDonell-Benatar, attorney for the teenager. “It was a terrible and horrific event but by no means was it intentional in any way, shape or form.” Sentencing has been scheduled for Aug.

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Friday, July 31, 2026 at 6:17 AM UTC
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