NMSU hires Rodey Law Firm as external investigator in Nov. 19 deadly UNM shooting

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- NMSU has hired the Rodey Law Firm to review the deadly Nov. 19 shooting between one of its basketball players and a UNM student.

NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu announced the decision to investigate on Tuesday.

Arvizu said both regents and management agreed it was crucial to have someone else conduct an outside investigation.

"It was pretty important to us that we have an independent, bias, third-party take a close look not at all things that transpired, but what have we done as an institution," he said.

The NMSU chancellor said officials have been slow to address reports because they have not yet received all of the information.

"One of the challenges we behave had is that we have not had all of the information that some of the news outlets have," Arvizu said.

During a NMSU Boards of Regents meeting Thursday, the shooting incident was top of mind.

The item was not on the agenda, but chair Ammu Devasthali addressed the ongoing situation at the beginning of the meeting.

She said this type of behavior was unfortunate.

"At NMSU we strive to create an environment on our campus where our students, faculty, staff and community feel welcomed and safe. That is why we have zero tolerance for the kind of behavior that led to this tragedy," the chair said.

She offered her condolences to all parties involved in this shooting.

NMSU officials are confident this investigation will reveal the truth.

"In the end truth and goodness will prevail, so let’s keep pushing ahead and let us be kind and considerate of each other," said the chair.

"I hope that we are are in a much better position to mitigate that anything even remotely resembles this. This is pretty egregious and extremely alarming. We will redouble our efforts and make sure this makes us better for the futures, gives the athletes the environment and opportunity to do what they do best. And represent the institution and insulation," Chancellor Arvizu said.

An NMSU spokesperson said it is too early to know when the investigation will be complete and how much it will cost.

According to the Rodey Law Firm website, the firm is one of New Mexico's oldest, largest and highly respected firms. Rodey law is based in Albuquerque.