8-04-2024 1:32am

Elijah Hadley Rally for Justice Saturday Peaceful and Just the Beginning

Chris Edwards Editor

Rally for Justice for Elijah Hadley Photo Credit Tom Krajci

A 17 year old named Elijah Hadley, a tribal member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe was shot and killed on June 25th, 2024 by an Otero County Deputy Sheriff.

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 was planned for Saturday at 9 am in Alamogordo, with parking at the mall. The rally was considered a success by those in attendance. The rally began at 9 am and lasted until noon with many placards and dialogue to bring attention to the incident.

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 had 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"!

The rally was well attended with 62 people assembled and marching to include family, friends, and allies concerned with the death and the lack of justice ans information flowing to the family. Protesters were well behaved in the manner of how the marcg proceeded they crossed at the crosswalks, stayed on the sidewalks, etc. There was no hostile reactions from passers by cars. The march was peaceful and there was not any police presence nearby threatening the marchers with arrest or other punishments.

Gerardo Martinez led the march. Gerardo led the chanting and call for justice and response and made various statements between chants.

Rally attendees spoke to individuals passing by and educated then concerning the issue. Protestors used artistic expression of chalk art to express solidarity in the memory of Elijah Hadley.