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An Otero County jury convicted Isaiah Leonard, 18 of Alamogordo, New Mexico, ofSecond-Degree Murder, Reckless Abuse of a Child Resulting in Death, Tampering with Evidence, Two counts of Assault with Intent to Commit a Violent Felony, Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon), Two counts of Abuse of a Child (not resulting in death or great bodily harm), Larceny of a Firearm, Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 19, and Unlawful Carrying of a Deadly Weapon in December.
On October 13, 2023, Isaiah Leonard (17 years of age, at the time of the incident) approached a group of minors at the south end of Oregon Park near Charlotte Lane, approximately two blocks from the Alamogordo High School. Leonard made it known to the minors upon his approach that he was in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and proceeded to confront the minors in an apparent attempt to settle a prior issue. One of the minors positioned themselves in a defensive position behind Leonard and upon seeing the handgun and fearing for the safety of himself and the others, attempted to take Leonard to the ground. Leonard fired three rounds striking three of the minors; fatally wounding Jyrese Collier, (14) of Alamogordo, NM.
The other two minors recovered from their gunshot wounds. Leonard then fled the area and was apprehended by the Alamogordo Police Department a short time later at his home.
The Alamogordo High School, which was still in session, was placed on a shelter in place upon the report of shots being fired in the area. After law enforcement arrived and secured the scene, the shelter in place was lifted and students were released from school.
The case was investigated by the Alamogordo Police Department and the Twelfth Judicial District Major Crimes Unit and prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Roxeanne Esquibel, Assistant District Attorney Brandi Red, and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Suggs.
Sentencing was set at a later date before the Honorable Stephen Ochoa.
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