10-13-2023 11:14pm

Oregon Park Shooting and Murder Uptick in Recent Shootings

Chris Edwards Editor

Today at 345 pm at alert was sent from Alamogordo Public Schools that Alamogordo High School was out into a shelter in place status until 405 pm per a recommendation from the Alamogordo Police Department due to shots fired at the Washington Park.

Per an Alamogordo Police Depart press release there was indeed a shooting incident…

“Shooting at Oregon Park October 13, 2023

On October 13, 2023, at approximately 3:43 PM, the Alamogordo Police Department responded to the area of Charlotte and Oregon in reference to shots being fired. Upon arrival, Officers located one person suffering a gunshot wound. Officers soon learned there may be more victims in route to the hospital. Those victims soon arrived at the hospital as did our Officers.

Officers and Deputies with the Otero County Sheriff’s Office gained additional information that led officers to a residence in the 200 block of Plainview Drive where they located and detained the alleged suspect.

This case is being investigated by the 12th Judicial District’s Major Crime Unit, a task force comprised of Investigators from the Alamogordo Police Department, the Ruidoso Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The Major Crimes Unit requests anyone who may have firsthand knowledge of this incident to contact Detective Diaz at 575-439-4300”

An update by Alamogordo Police Department was posted at 1215 am N
**UPDATE** Shooting at Oregon Park
October 14, 2023

A 17-year-old male has been charged with the following:

• Murder in the 1st Degree (willful and deliberate)
• 2 Counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree (willful and deliberate)
• Tampering with Evidence
• Larceny of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of a handgun by a person less than 19 years of age

The male has been turned over to OCDC to be transported to a juvenile detention facility pending his appearance in court.

The Major Crime’s Unit requests anyone who may have firsthand knowledge of this incident to contact Detective Diaz at 575-439-4300.

This is an evolving story and more details will be provided when released.

This shooting incident comes on the heels of a shooting incident and murder at the Weed Convenience Store of which the assailant was also arrested. This also comes on the heels of the shooting incident in which , tragedy struck our community as one of our city employees was shot and killed at Hang Glider Park the last week of September.

Mayor Susan Payne said of that incident “While we don’t always understand why these things happen, we do know that for every loss, there is a grieving family that is left to wonder why.

My heart breaks for this family, and I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Joe Romo and ask our entire community to join me in praying for them in the days and weeks to come; they need our support. Joe was a long-time employee with the City of Alamogordo, and words simply cannot express the impact his death has left on our staff and our community. Our city is strong, and we will get through this together.

In the meantime, stay safe, stay vigilant, and please know that the safety of our citizens is always our first priority.”

Gun violence in Otero County appears on an upswing, the community must collectively collaborate on solutions to end the violence, reduce drug use and improve economic outcomes of our community members.