Otero County Sheriff’s Deputy Shooting Resulting in Teen Death Under Investigation by New Mexico State Police

On June 25, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Otero County Sheriff’s Office of a 17 year old near Bent, New Mexico in Otero County. 

Around 10:45 PM June 25, 2024, an Otero County Sheriff deputy went on a welfare check along US-70 near mile marker 240. That is five miles southwest of Mescalero, New Mexico. A person had reported 17-year-old Elijah Hadley walking along the median of the highway. When the deputy arrived, he saw Hadley presenting "what appeared to be a firearm" to the deputy.

"The deputy fired at least one round from his duty weapon, striking Hadley," NMSP posted on social media Thursday. Hadley died at the scene and the deputy was not injured.

"Agents later learned the object that Hadley presented at the deputy was an air soft gun," NMSP explained.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review. This is a developing story. 

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