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Teen Receives Nine-Year Sentence for Paralyzing Shooting in Drug Deal Gone Wrong

KVIA••Gabrielle Lopez
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A Las Cruces teenager, Matthew James Aguilar, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for shooting and paralyzing an 18-year-old victim during a robbery attempt in February 2022. At the time of the incident, Aguilar, who was 16, and two accomplices planned to purchase marijuana but instead opted to rob the victim. As the victim attempted to flee, Aguilar shot into his vehicle, resulting in quadriplegia for the victim. Aguilar initially denied his involvement but later admitted to the crime through social media and jail calls. After serving his sentence, he will face three years of supervised release.

Key Details: • Aguilar was sentenced on Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office District of New Mexico. • The shooting occurred in February 2022 during a planned drug deal. • The victim suffers from quadriplegia due to the shooting. • Aguilar was charged as a juvenile but chose to be prosecuted as an adult.

las-cruces crime shooting robbery drug-deal

People & Organizations

Las CrucesU.S. Attorney's Office District of New MexicoMatthew James Aguilar

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