Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Las Cruces police are actively searching for a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday evening at a drive-in restaurant located on Foothills Road. The incident took place around 9:40 p.m. on March 4, 2025, when Las Cruces police and fire services responded to reports of gunfire at the Sonic Drive-in, situated at 3471 Foothills Rd.
Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered Benjamin Hernandez, a 20-year-old employee of the restaurant, suffering from gunshot wounds. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, an argument or altercation broke out between Hernandez and another employee, identified as 21-year-old Luciano Roman Valente Frias. During the confrontation inside the restaurant, Frias allegedly produced a handgun and fired at least one shot that struck Hernandez. Following the shooting, Frias fled from the scene on foot.
Authorities describe Frias as approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. Police are urging anyone with information regarding this incident or Frias's whereabouts to contact them at (575) 526-0795.
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