Felipe Hernandez

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Service Record

Las Cruces New Mexico Police Department

Rank	Officer
Dates of Service	Approximately 2015^[1] - January 2024^[2]
Salary	$46,846 (2018)^[3]
Last Known Status	Terminated^[2]

Incident Reports

2023 Death of Teresa Gomez

News report with body-worn camera footage

Felipe Hernandez

On October 3, 2023, Hernandez stopped Gomez for trespassing. After seeing possible guns in the car, Hernandez ordered Gomez to get out of vehicle. Gomez initially refused, but eventually exited. During the incident, Hernandez swore at Gomez and threatened to "make [Gomez's] life a living hell". The items were paintball equipment, and Hernandez allowed Gomez to sit back down in her car. Gomez started the car and started to drive away. Hernandez fired as Gomez drove away, striking her.^[1]^[4]

Gomez died at the hospital.^[1]

Response Timeline

Hernandez was placed on paid administrative leave.^[1]

A task force was formed to investigate, with members from the New Mexico State Police, the Las Cruces New Mexico Police Department, New Mexico State University Police, and the Dona Ana County New Mexico Sheriff's Office.^[5]

On October 27, 2023, a lawsuit was filed against the department, alleging wrongful death.^[5]

On January 9, 2024, Hernandez was charged with second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement.^[6]

On January 18, 2024, the civil lawsuit was amended to include Hernandez.

In January 2024, Hernandez was terminated.^[2]

On November 25, 2024, the civil suit was settled for $20 million.^[2]

On October 30, 2025, a jury found Hernandez guilty of voluntary manslaughter and not guilty of second-degree murder. Hernandez faces up to 11 years in prison.^[7]

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