11-09-2024 10:23am

De La O Found Guilty in of Death of Officer Ferguson Sentencing Nov. 12, 2024

Chris Edwards Editor

Dominic De La O was found guilty of the murder of Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson in a trial that began Monday and ended Friday at the Otero County Court House on New York Avenue.

The case has all eyes on it when jury selection began Monday. Mayor Susan Payne interviewed with AlamogordoTownNews.org prior to the trial explaining that she would be at the trial in support of Officer Ferguson and the Alamogordo community seeking justice.

The interview can be heard per the link below...

https://youtu.be/Mmy0wq1bLYg?si=fxRl8S6Gm1VNoO2P

Dominic De La O was facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, for allegedly shooting and killing Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson during a traffic stop. At the time of the shooting, investigators said De La O faced charges in two other criminal cases.

In January 2022, De La O was driving drunk and fled from law enforcement. He was arrested and released on bond with conditions. But, he violated those conditions with the case pending.

De La O picked up a new case in January 2023. Officers were trying to serve a warrant on him when a foot chase led to a shooting.

Documents say De La O pulled a gun on Alamogordo police officers. He was shot.

After that, his conditions were revoked for a short period of time. In June, after his attorney told a judge the detention center wasn’t providing him with appropriate medical attention.

In a controversial move that led to public scorn and of which is regretted, Twelfth Judicial District Judge Angie Schneider agreed to “give him one more chance," and De La O was released just a month before he allegedly shot and killed Alamogordo officer Anthony Ferguson.

The jury heard from 21 witnesses detailing the events that occurred July 15, 2023 that led to the death of decorated Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson.

The case leading to the conviction was led by 12 Judicial District Attorney Scott Key with Deputy Attorney Mikel Ward and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Suggs assisting in the prosecution.

D.A. Key expressed his "unwavering gratitude to the law enforcement community and partners fie their support in bringing justice to this case."

De La O also faces federal firearms charges in this case with a trial scheduled for next year.

Recently, a federal judge sentenced 31-year-old Jonah Apodaca for supplying a sawed-off shotgun that authorities say De La O used to kill Ferguson.

Without a long deliberation the jury found De La O guilty in addition to first-degree murder, Del La O was found guilty of tampering with evidence, aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer, criminal trespass and two counts of resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. De La O faces sentencing that could be up to life in prison plus 8 years.

A sentencing hearing will be a separate judicial proceeding without the jury and is scheduled for November 12th, 2024.

Officer Anthony Ferguson was the first Alamogordo police officer killed in the line of duty since Clint Corvinus was killed during a traffic stop on September 2, 2016.

Since Officer Ferguson's death he has been honored in many ways and his legacy of community service and commitment to youth lives on. In his memory a partnership arrangement with Alamogordo Public Schools, the City of Alamogordo Police and Fire Department launched the Ferguson Academy this year.

“Officer Ferguson had a deep affection and commitment to our community, particularly towards the youth. This is why the collaboration between the Alamogordo Public Schools and the City of Alamogordo holds such significance. It serves as a tribute to Officer Ferguson in a manner that authentically reflects his values, and I believe he would be proud of it,” shared Stephanie Hernandez, Assistant City Manager upon its launch.

AlamogordoTownNews.org will seek further comment from Mayor Payne and othe community leaders after sentencing on November 12th. Stay tuned for further details.