11-13-2024 2:19am

De La O Sentenced Life Without Parole in Death of Officer Ferguson: a Conversation with Mayor Payne

Chris Edwards Editor

Dominic De La O was found guilty of the murder of Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Fergusonin in a trial that began last Monday and ended Friday at the Otero County Court House on New York Avenue. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for Tuesday and he was sentenced to life without parole, plus an additional 6 and a half years.

Alamogordo's Mayor Susan Payne spoke with AlamogordoTownNews.org's streaming reporter Anthony Lucero on KAlHRadio.org and said that, she was happy with the verdict, this has been very difficult on the Ferguson family, friends and the community of police officers that have had to carry this around." She continued that " hopefully this provides some closure, I think the judge made the right decision, and I have to give a should out to district attorney Scott Key. He presented his case with passion and he was very meticulous about it."

Our readers can here the live interview podcast at https://youtu.be/Z4CGkwNyaek?si=N6n7VRbs_S8uhNeJ

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 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."

“He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, so ultimately, he will die in the Department of Corrections,” District Attorney Scot Key said after De La O was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of an officer plus six years for other charges. On July 15 of last year, De La O shot and killed Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson during a traffic stop – the DA saying it was an act of evil.

“Unfortunately, the reality of people like Dominic De La O, he is an evil person and what we’ve discovered from him is he is using this for a position, a better position in the Department of Corrections,” said Key.

Prosecutors presented a phone call recording in court, saying it shows De La O has no remorse for the murder. “And this was about 16 days after the homicide and the death of Anthony Ferguson and [in] the jail call to his friends, he was bragging about how this would really project him in a higher status,” Key said.

Family and colleagues of Officer Ferguson spoke at Tuesday’s sentencing saying how he was valued in the community and as a person. “We don’t have Officer Ferguson, so it’s hard to replace and think that justice prevails when something so horrible is done in our community,” said Key.

District Attorney Scot D. Key commended the law-enforcement officers involved in the case, offering a heartfelt “well done,” according to a news release.

Key also acknowledged the challenges they have faced — and will continue to face — as a result of Ferguson’s death.

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.

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.

De La O is also charged with a drive-by shooting and is scheduled to go to trial for that case in January. He also has a pending federal case for possessing an unregistered firearm which will be heard in Federal Court.