7-31-2024 1:52pm

Saturday 9 am Justice for Elijah Hadley March Planned Meet at Mall Parking Lot

Chris Edwards Editor

A 17 year old named Elijah Hadley, a tribal member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe was shot and killed on June 25th, 2024. He was shot upwards to 19 times according to a video released by Otero County Sheriff's Office, with the grieving family not receiving answers and demanding justice. A march and rememberance is planned for Saturday at 9 am in Alamogordo, with parking at the mall.

As reported by KALHRadio.org, KOAT News, and AlamogordoTownNews.org a June "welfare check" gone bad was done by an Otero County deputy on a 17-year-old. He was then shot and killed.

A month later the deputy's name has not been released, no answers have been given concerning the incident to the family, and they feel betrayed by authorities.

The New Mexico State Police nor the 12th Judicial District have released further information on the investigation.

A video was released via an information request to KOAT raising more questions. The news report shows that on June 25, 2024 after 11 p.m., an Otero County sheriff's deputy responded to a welfare check on 17-year-old Elijah Hadley.

The deputy can be heard trying to ask Hadley what he is doing on Highway 70. As Hadley approaches the deputy, he is asked to show his hands. At that moment, the 17-year-old threw to the side what looked to be a gun, later found to be an airsoft pistol.

The deputy then shot Hadley four times. Hadley collapses to the ground. The unnamed deputy informs OCSO he's unharmed and shots were fired.

As the deputy waits for backup, he can be heard telling Hadley not to move in the video released by KOAT News.

The 17-year-old has been on the ground for more than three minutes; until shots are fired again as witnessed in the video released. Hadley was then shot more than 15 times he lay on the ground injured.

Five minutes pass and the deputy can be heard breathing heavily, still waiting for deputies to arrive.

When the Otero County deputies arrive by 11:23 p.m. to offer aid it was too late for the teen. The deputy checked Hadley's body for a pulse to find none as per the video release.

News coverage has been minimal except for KOAT and AlamogordoTownNews.org, family members want answers and locals are asking why and wanting "justice for Elijah"!

A rally is planned for 9 am Saturday at the Fairgrounds to bring awareness and calling for justice and a release of information on the deputy.

His sister Katie Rose has called on Social Media for a walk and rememberance.

An online forum was created concerning the march with comments of support for Elijah.

A local Independent Activist, Richard Welch is organizing a march with assistance from Amalia Baeza on Saturday August 2nd, at 9 am beginning at the White Sands Mall and marching to the Sherrifs office and may include the mall..

Welch has been vocal in calling for the resignation of Sheriff Black on social media.

Welch was interviewed by Alamogordo Town News radio reporter Anthony Lucero on KALHRadio.org which can be heard on the link below...
https://youtu.be/atsWVNTLbV4?si=7V7NIxHbloUX73G9

Mr. Welch has said he talked to the Mescalero Apache Tribe attorney today and informed her what was going on with the protest and she will inform the Tribal Council and he also gave a courtesy call to the Alamogordo City Hall informing them about the protest on Saturday in Alamogordo.

Per Mr. Welch...

"There will be a protest this Saturday August 3, 2024 meet at 9 AM at the Otero County Fairgrounds parking lot. The horrific killing of Elijah Hadley tribal member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe happened on June 25th. He was shot and killed by an Otero County Sheriff's Deputy. Elijah was 17 years year old and was walking beside Highway 70 when he was stopped by this law enforcement officer. He was shot at four times before he fell to the ground and according to News sources he was shot at another 15 times while he laid on the ground. The last words Elijah spoke on this earth was "It's a BB Gun". The video clearly shows Elijiah throwing a gun, that could be perceived as a firearm, to the side when the officer started firing the first four shots. The officer said he was doing a welfare check but when he got out of his car he was holding his gun on Elijah. He engaged Elijah using the procedures of felony stop not a welfare check.
"It's a BB Gun"
"It's a BB Gun"
"It's a BB Gun"

His sister has said of her brother, "Rest in paradise Elijah, the roads are safe up there. I will ride for you down here until it's my time too... This cry is a cry only a loss can bring."

Ashley Elizabeth Martinez said, "please join the protest on March on Aug 3rd @9am
Please bring signs , water, etc or just come and join. Parking at the Otero County Fairgrounds, 9am on Saturday Aug 3. March to the county fairgrounds then cross the street legally when the light changes for pedestrians to cross.. Do not impede the traffic or anyone waking on the public sidewalks, do not walk in the street except to cross, no bullhorns, bring your own signs.”

The planned rally is a peaceful remembrance and protest asking the sheriff's department to release information to the family, and asking the district attorney's office to take action as justice for Elijah Hadley

Family, friends, allies and tribal representatives will be meeting for the peaceful call for action and answers at the White Sands Mall at 9 am Saturday.

For further information visit
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/aFHJXhC22SjSPfRd/?mibextid=K35XfP