On Friday, July 28, 2023, 13-year-old Amber Archuleta was shot and killed by another teenager in Questa, New Mexico. According to reports, Amber and three other juveniles were hanging out and listening to music. A 14-year-old boy, who lived in the home where they were socializing, pulled out his father's gun and fired a fatal shot at Amber. The boy then dragged her body outside and called police, telling them there had been a drive-by shooting. Both the shooter and his father were eventually arrested. The 14-year-old boy was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and assault on a police officer. The father, William Brown, was charged with making firearms accessible to a minor, resulting in death. This is the first case in New Mexico where someone has been charged with the fourth-degree felony under House Bill 9, also known as Bennie's Bill, which took effect in June 2023. The 14-year-old juvenile charged with Amber's murder was known around the Questa area to be a troubled boy. In the days before the murder, several people in the area had reported seeing him walking around town with a gun.
Amber Archuleta, 13, will always be remembered as a sweet and shy, happy-go-lucky girl. She was playful and a true, supportive friend. She was a talented artist. a self-taught guitar player and enjoyed playing basketball. She also loved the Denver Broncos. Amber's family and friends are feeling a tremendous loss in their lives and she will forever be missed. Amber's family would like to extend an invitation to the public to join them in celebrating Amber's life this Saturday, August 12, 2023. The public memorial will be held at 10 A.M. in the Questa High School gymnasium.
