SW New Mexico News

The City of Las Cruces has reached a settlement agreement in a civil lawsuit filed by the Estate of Teresa Gomez. The city is finalizing the financing for the $20 million settlement.

Teresa Gomez, aged 45, was fatally shot by Felipe Hernandez, a former officer with the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), during an encounter on October 3, 2023. Following this incident, Gomez's estate filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court later that month. After an investigation, LCPD found probable cause to charge Hernandez with second-degree murder and subsequently filed a criminal complaint against him on January 9, 2024.

"The City of Las Cruces determined that the actions on the morning of Oct. 3, 2023, were so severe that charges were brought against Hernandez," stated city officials. They emphasized their commitment to accountability through LCPD's decision to charge Hernandez promptly. In May 2024, following an administrative investigation, Hernandez was relieved from his duties and no longer works for the city.

The Las Cruces City Council held closed sessions to discuss and agree upon terms for the settlement. This settlement marks the largest civil lawsuit agreement in the city's history. An ordinance is set to be presented to the City Council in January 2025 for approval of financing this settlement.

Hernandez’s trial for second-degree murder is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025. "The City understands its obligations to uphold and protect the constitutional rights of Hernandez," noted officials, including his presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court. They clarified that "the settlement reached with the Gomez estate should in no way indicate criminal guilt by Hernandez." The city expressed condolences for Gomez's death and stressed respect for due process in Hernandez’s criminal case.