D.A. explains decision not to charge former NMSU basketball player in UNM student’s shooting death
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Former NMSU basketball player Mike Peake will not face charges in the shooting death of a student on the UNM student last November. We have been following this story from the beginning. You can read that reporting here.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office issued the following statement to ABC-7, explaining the decision.
"After reviewing materials and evidence provided from the investigation of the shooting incident on the campus of the University of New Mexico last November, we have determined we will not proceed with charges against any New Mexico State basketball coaches or players at this time.
While their lack of cooperation after the shooting certainly did not help to further the investigation, this behavior does not appear to meet the legal standard of criminal obstruction or tampering with evidence.
Should any new information surface that could impact this decision, we may reconsider.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney's office also declined to file charges against former NMSU Basketball player, Michael Peake for his involvement in this case.
It was determined Peake acted in self-defense."
Nancy Laflin, Communications Director for Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office
ABC-7 also reached out to UNM officials to learn more about the university's firearm policy. The university issued the following statement.
"Both UNM policies and New Mexico state law clearly prohibit the carrying of guns and other weapons on our campuses.
Like others in our community, we at UNM are deeply troubled by incidents involving guns on and around our campus. Gun violence in our country has become a public health crisis. The safety and well-being of our students and their living environment is of the utmost importance, and we are continuing increase our safety and security measures as we navigate the challenges of being an open campus in an urban environment.
UNMPD has also been utilizing technology to identify individuals and vehicles coming onto campus, in addition to increased cameras across campus, which have already proven extremely helpful. We also encourage everyone within our community that if they see something, to say something. Through awareness efforts, the police department does receive information about the unlawful carrying of firearms on campus, at which time official action has been taken."
University of New Mexico
