Amber Archuleta was just 13 years old—a bright, innocent girl with her whole life ahead of her. She was beloved in our community, known for her kindness and the joy she brought to those around her. Amber was doing what so many teenagers do, spending time with friends and listening to music, when her life was tragically and senselessly taken by a monster.

While we understand the plea deal, it is impossible to ignore the profound failures of the judicial system and law enforcement in this case. The mishandling of the crime scene, and the fact that the shooter and his family were allowed to destroy critical evidence and hide the weapon used to end Amber's life, represents a grave injustice not only to our family but to the entire community of Questa, New Mexico. Then for the shooter's family to mock the situation and say they were going to have a party at the house where Amber was murdered on the day she was murdered explains everything you need to know about these horrible people.

Amber deserved better. Our community deserves better. The system failed to protect her, and it failed to deliver the justice that she—and all of us—deserve. This plea deal does not signify the end of our fight. We will continue to seek justice for Amber, and we will not rest until those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions.

Amber's life was stolen from us, and we will not allow her memory to be tarnished by the failures of those who were supposed to uphold the law. Our family and the community of Questa will not be silenced, and we will continue to fight for the justice that Amber so rightfully deserves.

- Published and Approved by The Family of Amber Archuleta