Drake Armendariz Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder for Deadly I-25 Shooting, Sentenced to 30 years in Prison with Portion Suspended
Las Cruces, NM – The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that Drake Armendariz pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2023 deadly shooting of 17-year-old Benjamin Archuleta. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with a portion of the sentence suspended.
The case was originally dismissed without prejudice in February 2024 by the previous district attorney. After taking office, Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias reviewed the case and successfully sought to have the charges reinstated, ultimately resulting in Armendariz’ guilty plea.
“This was an injustice and we needed to pursue accountability for Armendariz,” said District Attorney Fernando Macias. “This case is a reminder that choices have consequences, and our office will continue to hold violent offenders accountable, including young offenders.”
On March 3, 2023, Armendariz, who was 16 years old at the time, fired six rounds into a vehicle traveling on Interstate 25 near mile marker 8, just outside Las Cruces. Archuleta, who was a passenger in that vehicle, was struck by gunfire and transported to the hospital where he died one day before his 18th birthday.
On Tuesday, Armendariz pleaded guilty to first-degree murder during a change of plea hearing before District Court Judge Douglas R. Driggers in the presence of Archuleta’s family. The court sentenced Armendariz to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, resulting in an effective sentence of 14 years. He also received 793 days pre-sentence confinement credit. Upon his release, Armendariz will be a convicted felon and will serve two years of parole followed by five years of probation.
“Under the circumstances, this was the best possible outcome, and it had the support of Benjamin Archuleta’s family,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said.
Following the plea, members of Archuleta’s family addressed the court and Armendariz.
“We waited 3 long years for justice, but the time has come,” said Lucky Archuleta, Benjamin’s uncle. “You probably deserved more, but God forgives.”
Benjamin’s family also thanked the Doña Ana County District Attorney Office and law enforcement for never giving up, standing by Benjamin and supporting their family throughout the case.
This case was prosecuted by Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias and Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson and investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.