Four kids accused of breaking into, vandalizing NMSU buildings over winter break caught

Update (January 21, 2026): NMSU Police have found the four teenagers suspected of breaking into campus building during winter break.

The department recovered some of the property taken from the university facilities. They are now working with the New Mexico Juvenile Probation Office to file criminal charges against the group.

As they are minors, NMSU did not publicly identify the suspects.

All four teenagers are from Las Cruces, according to the university.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A cash reward of $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the individuals suspected of burglarizing and vandalizing the NMSU campus over winter break.

The New Mexico State University Police Department is looking for four juveniles believed to be responsible for the alleged crimes, which happened on December 28, 2025.New Mexico State University Police Department

Police say that on that evening, the four kids unlawfully entered several NMSU buildings, including the Pan American Center, Fulton Center, Old Field House, and Hall of Legends. They entered through unsecured doors and vandalized the interiors, according to police. The four kids are also accused of damaging athletic equipment. They are accused of causing $3,000 in damages.

The alleged crimes were all caught on surveillance video and the kids left behind three necklaces, police officials say.

"NMSU Police are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals involved or has information related to these incidents to come forward," a spokesperson stated. "Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips mobile app. If the information provided leads to an arrest, the tipster may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000."