Former Las Cruces Police officer will serve 9 years in prison for manslaughter
Update (5:44 PM): Emotions ran high Tuesday inside the Third Judicial District Court as former police officer Felipe Hernandez, his family and the family of his victim learned he was sentenced to nine years in prison.
A spokeswoman for the victim’s family said the family is grateful for the outcome.
Hernandez was convicted in the shooting death of Teresa Gomez following a confrontation captured on police body camera footage obtained by ABC-7.
The video shows Hernandez accusing Gomez and her passenger of trespassing and violating a court order prohibiting them from being at the location. Minutes later, Gomez attempted to leave the scene, striking Hernandez with her car door.
Hernandez then shot Gomez, killing her. He told investigators he feared for his life.
During the sentencing hearing, family members of both Gomez and Hernandez addressed the court.
Valerie Gomez, the daughter of the victim, spoke about the loss of Teresa Gomez and the impact on her family.
“She will never see the great men my brothers have become,” Gomez said. “She will never see her granddaughters or grandsons flourish.”
Hernandez’s wife and two sisters also spoke, describing his military service, community outreach efforts and role as a husband and father. Hernandez appeared emotional throughout their statements.
His sister, Melissa Ontiveros, said Hernandez has always taken responsibility for his actions.
“He has always been an honest and understanding person,” Ontiveros said.
Members of Gomez’s family, including her daughter, one of her sons and her younger sister, described her as a loving mother, grandmother and aunt.
“My mom was kind, loving, gentle and caring, and always put her kids first, even when she was struggling herself,” said her son, Johnny Gomez.
Johnny Gomez, who served in the U.S. military, said he looked forward to reuniting with his mother after his service.
“But instead of coming home to her, I came home to a tragedy,” he said.
Valerie Gomez said the loss her family has suffered is permanent.
“There is a void in our hearts that will never be filled and cannot be replaced,” she said.
The defense plans to appeal the sentence. The victim’s family spokeswoman said the sentence sends a message that no one is above the law.
Update (10:16 PM): Hernandez was sentenced to 11 years, with two of those being suspended. After Hernandez serves the nine years in prison, he will go through two years of parole, the court said.
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The sentencing hearing for former Las Cruces Police officer Felipe Hernandez is happening in Las Cruces today.
In October 2025, Hernandez was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Teresa Gomez on Oct. 3, 2023 at a housing complex.
ABC-7 will provide complete coverage of Hernandez's sentencing hearing.
