Arrest made in killing of Las Cruces teen whose loss was mourned by the community
UPDATE, Aug. 19: Las Cruces police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a 17-year-old boy in the Aug. 6 shooting death of 18-year-old Jacob Daniel Becerra.
The teen suspect, who police are not identifying because of his age, is charged with first-degree felony murder and tampering with evidence. Authorities said he was being held without bond in the juvenile section of the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
Investigators said Becerra was shot while in his car before it crashed into a pole on east Farney Lane near west Park Drive. The motive, police said, appeared to be some type of dispute between the two teens that led led to the 17-year-old pulling out a handgun and firing.
ORIGINAL REPORT, Aug. 16: LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- At only 18 years old, Jacob Becerra had his entire adult life ahead of him.
"My wife woke me up and told me what happened with Jacob," explained Ignacio Hernandez, a friend of the family. "Very, very tragic news. Pretty much, I couldn't sleep after that. Poor kid."
On Aug. 6th, police say they discovered the teenager's body inside his car in central Las Cruces. Later, authorities ruled the death a homicide.
On Sunday, friends organized a motorcycle ride in his honor in east Las Cruces.
"I was at the family's house when we heard the news - when the detective came over," said Carlos Jimenez, another friend of the family. "It was just devastating. To lose somebody, their own son, it just broke our hearts."
Last week, police asked for the public's help in solving the crime. If you have any information, please call (575) 526-0795.
