EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Opening statements from the defense and prosecution in the trial for a former Las Cruces police officer accused of shooting and killing a woman during a 2023 encounter caught on body cam video were heard in the New Mexico courtroom Monday, Oct. 27.
Felipe Hernandez is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Teresa Gomez, who was shot on Oct. 3, 2023.
According to court documents, Hernandez approached Gomez at a housing complex while she was in a vehicle with a passenger. After questioning her, Hernandez asked Gomez to step out of the car which she eventually did. Investigators say she later got back into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away.
Prosecutors allege Hernandez fired multiple shots, hitting Gomez. She died from her injuries at a hospital.
Hernandez was fired from the Las Cruces Police Department in May 2024 and arrested in January on the murder charge.
Last year, the City of Las Cruces approved a $20 million settlement with Gomez’s family in connection to the shooting.
According to an official with Judge Richard Jacquez, two witnesses testified on Monday.
The trial is expected wrap up by the end of the week.
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