News
16-year-old Elijah Pohl-Morfin killed in shooting at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
16-year-old Adrian Martinez, has been detained and is facing charges including involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
Bernalillo County deputies are conducting an investigation following the fatal shooting of a teenager at a southwest Albuquerque school on Friday.
The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Elijah Pohl-Morfin.
Deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to reports of a shooting at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School around 9:42 p.m.
Another teenager, 16-year-old Adrian Martinez, has been taken into custody and is now facing charges that include involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
According to school officials, the shooting incident took place in the school parking lot following a basketball game.
Reportedly, two students were handling a firearm inside a vehicle when it accidentally discharged. In their statement, school authorities mentioned that Pohl-Morfin was taken to the hospital and, unfortunately, passed away later.
The initial response to the incident came from the Albuquerque Public Schools Police, but the investigation has since been transferred to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
As a result of the incident, all basketball games at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School have been canceled.
Dear Atrisco Heritage Academy Community,
The worst of our fears played out last night when one of our students was shot in the school parking lot shortly after a basketball game and later transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The details of the incident are still under investigation, but it appears the shooting transpired when two of our students were playing with a firearm in a vehicle, resulting in an accidental discharge that claimed the life of one of the teenagers.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and will provide additional information as soon as the details are confirmed.
Like you, I am heartsick, shocked, and bewildered by this senseless and tragic loss. Despite our continuous efforts to educate students about the dangers posed by guns, incidents like these continue to plague our city. Our community, like countless others across the nation, is acutely familiar with gun tragedies. However, there is no way to fully prepare for the heart-wrenching reality of waking up to the news of a young life lost forever and another altered forever.
In response to this tragedy, we will have an increased police presence on campus Monday. Additionally, our counseling services will be available to support students and staff grappling with the emotional impact of this incident.
If you have a weapon in your home, please ensure it is stored securely and continue to talk with your children about the grave dangers associated with mishandling weapons. The state Department of Health has joined forces with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence and has launched a websiteExternal link opens a new window. outlining steps gun owners should take to secure their firearms and information on how to get a free gunlock.
And please keep the families directly affected by this tragedy in your hearts and thoughts.
