7-26-2023 5:33pm

At Otero County Courthouse Dominic De La O Indicted

Chris Edwards Editor

Dominic De La O, the man accused of murdering Alamogordo police officer, Anthony Ferguson, has been indicted officially by the Otero County Grand Jury on ten counts, which include first-degree murder.

In addition to these charges, Scott Key, the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney, has hinted at potential federal charges relating to the sawed-off shotgun reportedly used in the killing. The weapon used could strengthen the case against De La O.

Further proceedings towards De La O's continued custody are to be planned soon.

The case has sent a ripple of sorrow through the department, as Officer Ferguson, an 11-year veteran, was held in high esteem within the community and his loss has deeply affected it. While it is not De La O's first brush with law enforcement, the DA's office is confident about their robust case this time. Arraignment is scheduled for August 14 with companies rallying to raise funds for Ferguson’s family.

De La O had two other active criminal cases against him at the time of this deadly shooting.

In January 2022, De La O was driving drunk and fled from law enforcement. Police arrested him, then a judge released him on bond with conditions – which he later violated with the case pending.

In January 2023, officers tried to serve a warrant on him when a foot chase led to a shooting. Documents say De La O pulled a gun on officers. Then, an officer shot him.

A judge revoked his conditions of release for a bit until an attorney said the detention center wasn’t providing him with appropriate medical attention.

Twelfth Judicial District Judge Angie Schneider agreed to “give him one more chance.”

The release came just a month before he allegedly shot and killed Ferguson.

"This entire incident occurred because a dangerous man who we know had been previously accused of breaking the law decided that preserving his freedom was worth more than the life of a person who we tasked with protecting and defending the freedoms of our law-abiding citizens," said Susan Payne, the Alamogordo mayor in a statement last week to the regional press.

The city spent last week in morning and shock with multiple events to remember Office Ferguson and to honor his family. The defendant in todays hearing remains behind bars this time due to the severity of the charges.