Crime & Safety
Roswell, NM Shooting Investigation Leads to Teen's Arrest
Roswell, NM – A 16 year old has been arrested following a New Mexico State Police investigation that connected a seized firearm to two shootings in Roswell, with authorities also investigating the tee
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-18T21:55:06.513Z
Roswell, NM – A 16 year old has been arrested following a New Mexico State Police investigation that connected a seized firearm to two shootings in Roswell, with authorities also investigating the teenager's possible involvement in a separate Artesia area shooting.
According to New Mexico State Police, the investigation began Sept. 4, 2026, when an officer observed a Nissan Altima allegedly speeding along U.S. Highway 285 in Eddy County.
The officer conducted a traffic stop after the vehicle pulled up to a residence on Mockingbird Lane. Police identified the driver as 16 year old Jedidziah Juarez.
Authorities said the teenager initially refused to exit the vehicle and provided conflicting information about the residence and vehicle ownership.
Three Firearms and Suspected Narcotics Seized Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of three firearms, ammunition, suspected narcotics intended for distribution and drug paraphernalia.
Ballistics testing later connected one of the recovered firearms to two shootings in Roswell, according to state police.
An arrest warrant was obtained on firearm related and trafficking allegations.
Investigators also learned that the Artesia Police Department was investigating the teenager in connection with another shooting in the Artesia area.
Juvenile Arrested on Multiple Charges On Tuesday, Oct. 13, agents with the New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit located and arrested the teenager.
Authorities listed the following charges:
One count of unlawful carrying of a handgun by a person under 19. Two counts of unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon. One count of possession of a controlled substance by a minor. One count of trafficking by distribution. State police emphasized the role of ballistic evidence and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in connecting firearms to violent crime investigations.
Officials have not announced whether additional charges related directly to the shootings will be filed. The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.