Las Cruces 13-Year-Old Sentenced to Two Years in Shooting Death of 13-Year-Old Chris Carnero

Las Cruces, NM – The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that the 13-year-old who shot and killed 13-year-old Chris Carnero was sentenced to two years in a Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) facility.

The respondent pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and unlawful carrying of a handgun by a person under age 19 on July 27, one day before his trial was scheduled to begin. On Tuesday, the respondent was sentenced to serve two years in a CYFD facility by District Court Judge Robert Lara.

“The respondent took the life of another 13-year-old because of his actions,” said District Attorney Fernando Macias. “That more than justifies a two-year commitment.”

On March 30, 2026, the respondent shot Chris Carnero in the back of the head inside the Carnero family home. Chris Carnero’s parents, who were home at the time, heard a scream and rushed to their son’s room, where they found him semi-conscious. Chris Carnero was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead. The Carnero family later made the decision to remove Chris Carnero from life support and donate his organs. His organ donation has transformed the lives of 18 people.

During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, District Attorney Macias showed the court a photograph taken on the day of the shooting showing the respondent holding the gun he later used to kill Chris Carnero, as well as other photographs of the respondent holding weapons.

“He is mimicking the kind of lifestyle he has been engaged in and would continue to be engaged in without serious intervention,” said District Attorney Fernando Macias. “With a two-year commitment, the respondent will have a far better outcome, a chance at a more structured life and a chance of deviation from the actions in the pictures shown to the court.”

During the sentencing hearing, members of the Carnero family and several members of the community addressed the court and the respondent.

“I stand here today not just as a mother whose heart has been shattered, but as a terrified citizen of Las Cruces,” said Chris Carnero’s mother, Janel Carnero. “My son Chris was the embodiment of pure love. I hope everyone loves like Chris.”

Manny Carnero, Chris Carnero’s father, said to the respondent, “Chris cared about everybody and he cared about you. You had a chance at a life that most kids could ever dream of because we opened up our home to you. You get to live the rest of your life knowing you murdered another kid who loved you like a brother.”

This case was prosecuted by Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias and Senior Trial Attorney Kyrsten Horgan and investigated by the Las Cruces Police Department.