A grieving mother is sharing the heartbreaking details surrounding the tragic death of her 13-year-old son, who was fatally shot by another teenager inside their own home in Las Cruces.
Janel Carnero said her family had recently taken steps to educate their children about gun safety, never imagining such a tragedy could unfold so close to home. Just weeks before the incident, the family had open conversations about the dangers of firearms and even created “safe words” so their children could signal if they felt unsafe.
Despite those precautions, Carnero said they had no knowledge that another teen had brought a gun into their house. According to her, their son was also unaware.
On the night of the incident, the family was awakened by a loud noise followed by screams. Rushing to their son’s room, they found him semi-conscious with a gunshot wound to his head. In a desperate attempt to save him, his parents called emergency services and tried to rush him to the hospital themselves before being assisted by police officers on the way.
Carnero described holding her son, speaking to him, and reassuring him of their love during those critical moments.
Authorities confirmed the boy later died from his injuries. Another 13-year-old has been taken into custody and is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
The family, now devastated by the loss, is being supported by friends and community members as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
