A mother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been charged with murder after her 10-year-old son fatally shot a teenage neighbor during a dispute over loud music. Elaina Gomez-Villeda, 40, allegedly instructed her son to retrieve her handgun amid a physical altercation with the neighbors.
The confrontation began when Gomez-Villeda complained about loud music, according to reports. As the argument escalated into a fight, she reportedly told her son to get her gun. The boy then emerged and shot Keinerlein Rangel, 16, who died from the injuries. Authorities stated that Gomez-Villeda texted her husband, "I’m probably going to jail right now," shortly after the incident.
While Gomez-Villeda was on the phone with 911, the father of the victim allegedly attempted to break down her door and smashed a window. Gomez-Villeda then reportedly grabbed a gun and fired at him, telling police she believed her family was in danger.
Upon arrival, Albuquerque police observed gunfire from inside the apartment. They found Gomez-Villeda holding a gun and pursuing three individuals outside. An officer fired at her but missed. The 10-year-old boy, whose identity has not been released due to his age, has not been charged, though detectives are consulting with the District Attorney's office regarding potential charges.
Gomez-Villeda faces charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, negligently making a firearm accessible to a minor, misdemeanor battery, and receiving stolen property. Her mugshot shows a visible injury under her left eye. The shooting remains under investigation.