A city in New Mexico is paying out millions of dollars to the family of a woman who was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in October of last year. More than a year after the shooting, the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, announced that it has reached a $20 million settlement with the family of 45-year-old Teresa Gomez.
In a statement on Monday, Nov. 25, the city said that the settlement does not admit “criminal guilt” on the officer involved in the shooting and the city maintains it will respect the criminal justice process. The city added, “This settlement should be understood as a statement of the city’s profound feeling of loss for the death of Gomez and of the city’s condolences to her family.”
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An attorney for Gomez’ family said they are thankful that the city has recognized the “injustice of Teresa’s death” and hope Las Cruces will make sure no other family has to suffer losing a family member to police violence.
The officer’s legal team did not have a response at the time of this report.
Bodycam footage of the shooting shows now former Las Cruces police Officer Felipe Hernandez fatally shooting Gomez during a traffic stop.
Hernandez can be heard questioning Gomez and her passenger as he accused them of trespassing. Hernandez said Gomez’ passenger had multiple warrants for trespassing as the pair sat in Gomez vehicle.
Gomez told Hernandez she could not find her keys. As the incident of around nine minutes unfolded, Hernandez can be heard telling Gomez, “I will make your life a living hell. I will tow your car.”
The confrontation ends with Gomez starting her car and attempting to drive away as the Hernandez yells, “stop,” several times. Hernandez then opens fire on the vehicle and calls in “shots fired” to his radio.
Gomez later died from the gunshot wounds at a hospital. The passenger in the incident was not injured.
Hernandez was fired following the shooting, and awaits a trial scheduled for June of 2025 on second degree murder charges in Gomez’ death.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
