Las Cruces Settles Lawsuit for $20 Million

The City of Las Cruces has reached a historic $20 million settlement with the family of Teresa Gomez, who was shot and killed by former police officer Felipe Hernandez on October 3, 2023. This settlement, the largest in New Mexico's history for a police killing, comes as Hernandez faces charges of second-degree murder, with his trial scheduled for June 2025. Body camera footage revealed that Hernandez confronted Gomez while she was in her car and ultimately shot her as she attempted to drive away. The city expressed its condolences to Gomez's family, emphasizing that the settlement does not imply Hernandez's guilt in the criminal case. Hernandez was relieved of his police duties in May 2024 after a criminal complaint was filed against him in January 2024. An ordinance to approve financing for the settlement will be presented to the City Council in January 2025.