Man pleads guilty, sentenced to 14 years to 2023 shooting that killed Las Cruces teen
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Three years after a shooting along Interstate 25 near Las Cruces left a 17-year-old dead, the man charged in connection with the shooting pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Tuesday and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The Doña Ana County District Attorney announced on Tuesday that 19-year-old Drake Armendariz pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the deadly shooting of 17-year-old Benjamin Archuleta. Armendariz was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 16 years suspended, resulting in a 14-year sentence.
In a statement to KFOX14/CBS4, Archuleta's family said while the sentence will never feel like enough, they will continue to honor Benjamin's life.
Nothing about today brings Benjamin back. He was only 17 years old, one day away from his 18th birthday. His life mattered, and our family has spent more than three years fighting to make sure that was never forgotten. We would like to sincerely thank the District Attorney's Office and the New Mexico State Police for standing beside our family and never giving up on Benjamin," Jennifer Archuleta said. "Their hard work and dedication made it possible for us to finally see accountability. While no sentence will ever feel like enough, today closes an incredibly painful chapter. We will continue to honor Benjamin's life, remember who he was, and make sure his name is never forgotten.
The guilty plea comes three years after Archuleta was shot and killed while driving in Las Cruces in March 2023, just a day before his 18th birthday.
Investigators said that 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, a passenger in that vehicle, was struck by gunfire and taken to the hospital, where he died.
Previously speaking to KFOX14/CBS4, Archuleta's family said the shooting was not random, adding that the shooting followed an earlier confrontation. “Before my brother was killed, this individual was always threatening him for two years,” Jennifer Archuleta Marquez, Benjamin's sister, said.
According to the district attorney's office, Tuesday's plea also comes after the case was reinstated following an earlier dismissal, noting that it 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 sought to have the charges reinstated, which ultimately led to Armendariz’s guilty plea.
“This was an injustice, and we needed to pursue accountability for Armendariz,” Macias said. “This case is a reminder that choices have consequences, and our office will continue to hold violent offenders accountable, including young offenders.”
On Tuesday, Armendariz entered his plea during a change of plea hearing before District Court Judge Douglas R. Driggers, in the presence of Archuleta’s family. The court also awarded Armendariz 793 days of pre-sentence confinement credit. Upon release, he will serve two years of parole followed by five years of probation, and will be a convicted felon, according to the district attorney’s office.
“Under the circumstances, this was the best possible outcome, and it had the support of Benjamin Archuleta’s family,” Macias said.
After 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.”
Previously speaking to KFOX14/CBS4, Archuleta's family said while they are still grieving, they are urging unity and prevention as they hope this case calls more attention to accountability when it comes to juveniles with guns
“We gotta get a hold of these juveniles with guns,” Gloria Rios Archuleta said. “These kids out there that are dying. It’s not worth it.”
Jennifer Archuleta Marquez added, "I think we have to come together as a community and you know prevent that from happening."
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