Thirteen-year-old Chris Carnero died on March 30, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after being shot inside his family home by a 13-year-old friend who was staying with the family. Chris was struck in the back of the head when the friend discharged a firearm that did not belong to the Carnero household. Chris was airlifted to a hospital and later declared brain dead; his family donated his organs.

The juvenile suspect was later taken into custody by the Las Cruces Police Department and is being held by the Juvenile Probation Office in Doña Ana County on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Police described the suspect as a frequent runaway who had been known to possess firearms and said he was in possession of the gun used in the shooting when apprehended; investigators also noted links between the suspect and auto burglaries involving stolen firearms.

Chris was a student at Picacho Middle School and remembered by family as a bright, adventurous boy who loved football, baseball, and dirt bikes. His parents, Janel and Manny Carnero, and local leaders have called for changes to address juvenile crime and gun safety. If anyone knew Chris, the friend who stayed in the Carnero home, or has information relevant to this case, please come forward.