ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A tragic shooting on October 13 at Oregon Park has claimed the life of a Chaparral Middle School student, sparking grief across the Alamogordo community and leading to the arrest of a teenage suspect.
Alamogordo Public Schools confirmed in a Facebook post that the victim was Jiyrese Collier, an eighth-grade student at Chaparral. The student’s exact age has not been disclosed. While the school district identified the victim, Alamogordo Police have not officially released the name due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
According to a statement from the Alamogordo Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:43 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire near Oregon Park. Responding officers discovered a juvenile at the scene with a gunshot wound. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional victims were involved.
Following the shooting, officers, with assistance from the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, located a 17-year-old male suspect at a residence on Plainview Drive. The teen was taken into custody and booked at the Otero County Detention Center before being transferred to a juvenile facility. He faces several charges, including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, larceny of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor. His identity has not been disclosed due to his age.
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Superintendent Pam Renteria offered condolences to the school community and announced that absences on Monday, October 16, would be excused for families choosing to keep their children home. “We understand this is a difficult time and want families to prioritize their children’s emotional well-being,” she said.
In response to the incident, Alamogordo Public Schools announced that Chaparral Middle School, Mountain View Middle School, and Alamogordo High School would have increased security on campus beginning October 15. The district also confirmed that school counselors will be available to support students and parents impacted by the tragedy.
The school district is urging anyone in need of additional support to contact its 24-hour HOPE hotline at 575-430-0191.
As the investigation continues, local officials and school leaders are working together to provide comfort and safety for the Alamogordo community.
