Las Cruces Settles for $20 Million in Shooting Case

The city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has reached a $20 million settlement with the family of Teresa Gomez, who was fatally shot by former police officer Felipe Hernandez during a traffic stop in October 2023. Body camera footage revealed that Hernandez shot Gomez multiple times as she attempted to drive away from the scene. The settlement, which is the city's largest in a civil lawsuit, does not admit criminal guilt on Hernandez's part, who has been charged with second-degree murder and awaits trial in June 2025. Gomez's family expressed gratitude for the recognition of the injustice of her death and hopes for reforms to prevent future police violence. The city emphasized that the settlement reflects their condolences for Gomez's death, while maintaining respect for Hernandez's presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Hernandez was fired from the police department following the incident and is currently awaiting trial.