James Luis Lara-Salazar, 18, of Hobbs, New Mexico, was shot on May 25, 2024, on the 2000 block of North Kingsley Street and found with several gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he was initially listed in critical condition and died of his injuries on May 30, 2024.

Authorities arrested 19-year-old Eddie Martinez on the day of the shooting, May 25, 2024; Martinez was first charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and the charge was later upgraded to murder after Lara-Salazar’s death. James was remembered by family for his curly brown hair, smart-alec smirk, wonderful sense of humor, and as the father of a young son, Santiago Lara-Salazar. He became an organ donor following his death.

Anyone with information about the shooting or who knew James is asked to come forward.