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Family and friends hold vigil for Rio Rancho teen killed at UNM
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RIO RANCHO — Family and friends gathered at Haynes Park on Tuesday night to celebrate the life of Michael LaMotte, a 14-year-old fatally shot inside a dorm at the University of New Mexico.
Over 100 people bowed their heads in prayer with candles in hand for the boy, who was about to start his sophomore year at Rio Rancho High School. Those who knew LaMotte best spoke of his passion for the church, his sense of humor, kindness and love for music.
LaMotte was with a group of young men playing video games in a UNM dorm on July 25 when John Fuentes, 18, shot LaMotte in the head, according to New Mexico State Police. Fuentes was arrested the following day and has been charged with an open count of murder.
“He made such an impact on so many people’s lives,” Kolby Barka, a friend of LaMotte’s, said at the vigil Tuesday. “I feel like he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was just trying to play video games.”
Barka said LaMotte was always positive, smiling and spreading joy wherever he went. Barka said the two played football together in eighth grade and had been friends ever since.
“He would call me, and we would sing karaoke on the phone before he took a shower,” Barka said.
LaMotte was the type of boy who always came to the defense of his friends, Barka said. LaMotte would protect them from bullies and was always there whenever someone needed him.
To Jocelynn Sinclair, LaMotte was like a brother. The two had met in class, and Sinclair said he was always a joy to be around. She said it doesn’t feel real that he’s gone.
“He didn’t deserve to die this young,” Sinclair said. “It shouldn’t have been him. If it was a natural death, I think my heart would be OK, but because of what happened, my heart really, really hurts.”
Sinclair said though she will miss everything about LaMotte, his smile is what she will miss the most.
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“He had the most beautiful smile ever,” she said.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull joined the crowd, expressing his condolences and sorrow to the family.
“We’re devastated about the loss of Michael,” he said. “His life was taken too soon. We will mourn his life, and we grieve with you.”
As the vigil came to a close, the crowd blew out their candles, holding each other tightly while expressing words of support and love. Above, the cotton candy skies slowly turned to dusk.
