Category: kvia-local-news

Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) –- Monday, the defendant in the trial of 13-year-old Chris Carnero entered a plea of involuntary manslaughter and negligent use of a firearm by a person under the age of 19, according to Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macìas.

The defendant, also 13 years old, faces up to two years in a juvenile detention center. That sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Macìas says there is a notable difference in this case as compared to the Young Park shooting trials.

“There is a huge difference between a first degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. That in itself dictates part of what the sentence can be. But the age of the child was notably younger than the individuals in the Young Park shooting,” Macìas said.

Macìas said the maximum sentence for a 13-year-old is two years in a juvenile facility, regardless of what the crime is. He said the DA’s office will ask for the maximum penalty.

Macìas said the age of teens involved in shootings is getting younger.

“So that started people thinking, well, shouldn’t we be able to impose more stringent penalties on children that are younger but still committing crimes at an adult level? So that’s that’s what’s triggered some of the discussion,” he said. “But in this situation it’s an involuntary manslaughter charge. It is not a first degree.”

Macìas said there should be an expansion of the opportunity to prosecute and keep children incarcerated if they are killing with the intent to do that. However, he said this case is different.

“Involuntary manslaughter is the lowest level of charge related to the killing of an individual. So I don’t know, and I don’t want to speculate or guess that the legislature is going to be very enthusiastic in making that change,” Macias said.

The mother of 13-year-old Chris Carnero released a statement after a motion hearing Monday.

“This fight has never just been about the law; it has always been about Chris. Chris was an absolutely incredible person whose enormous capacity for love touched every single person he met. The light he brought into this world continues to shine, and it is his spirit that has guided us through our darkest days. The outpouring of love we are seeing now is a direct reflection of the love Chris gave so freely during his life,” Carnero said.

Janel Carnero, Chris’s mother, has been outspoken against juvenile crime and gun violence since her son was killed in March.

Carnero will also speak about the verdict and how she plans to move forward.

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Carpio Griego

UPDATE (5:04 p.m.) — Jail records said three people have been arrested at the Doña Ana County Government Center Tuesday during a board of commissioners meeting about a data center planned for the area.

They have been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond.

Jail records said Kiki Garden, 33, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting or obstructing arrest without bond.

Kiki Garden’s mugshot.(Courtesy: DACDC)

Jail records said Orin Charlotte Parnell, 50, has also been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct without bond.

Orin Charlotte Parnell’s mugshot.(Courtesy: DACDC)

Additionally, jail records said 26-year-old Abegail Langutan Salugsugan has been charged with disorderly conduct and resisting or obstructing arrest. She was booked without bond.

Abegail Langutan Salugsugan’s mugshot.(Courtesy: DACDC)

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Project Jupiter representatives scheduled a presentation for Doña Ana County Commissioners Court Meeting Tuesday. Before attendees heard from the data center’s representatives, public comments started the meeting.

Strong reactions came from those for and against the data center. Protestors and those supporting Project Jupiter filled the meeting room past seating capacity.

Some of the sentiment in support of the project brought up jobs in the community for people that “don’t have other opportunities” through construction and contract work.

Some supporters, who came from Juarez, argued that people want innovation, but complain about how it happens. Other said artificial intelligence is here, and “we can’t do anything about it.”

Those against the data center pinpointed the short and long-term costs it’ll have on resource consumption.

Thirty people were scheduled for public comment, but less spoke after two people were escorted out of the room. Some attendees expressed anger after several interruptions during speakers’ time — some public comments were also cut short.

This caused a brief confrontation with security guards, Doña Ana County Sheriffs office deputies, and protesters. That caused a delay for the meeting before resuming the agenda.

Project Jupiter representatives’ presentation included a job report of number of employees expected during construction and after completion.

Oracle released a press release and said Project Jupiter already delivered almost $80 million in state and county tax revenue, with nearly 700 residents working.

Representatives also emphasized being a “good neighbor” with a verbal commitment for more community outreach and answering questions about worries — especially about the issue of the impact on heat in the immediate area. Representatives said they would have to “get back” on the issue.

Another subject was the air permit that’s currently under consideration for a hearing in October with the New Mexico Environmental Department. Representatives said they “wouldn’t know how to power the data center” without permit approval.

Without it, they said the structure would just be a “big warehouse.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, the City of El Paso said its Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing Department received a national honor for the 12th year. The 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award recognizes public agencies demonstrating high standards in how public bodies purchase goods, services and construction works.

The Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing Department’s responsibilities include helping suppliers do business with the City of El Paso and talks between suppliers and the city.

Each year, the National Procurement Institute honors organizations from the U.S. and Canada, according to the city.

Award recipients go through an evaluation process that looks at performance, innovation, leadership, productivity and other measures, the city said.

“This award reflects the exceptional work our Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing team delivers every day,” said Deputy City Manager Nicole Cote in a statement. “Receiving this national recognition speaks to the department’s unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.”

The city said it was among a select group of public agencies to receive the distinction this year.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KVIA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the reopening of some livestock international crossings, allowing limited cattle imports from Mexico amid New World screwworm concerns. USDA also announced the move for several border crossings after the parasitic fly halted the movement of cattle between the U.S. and Mexico since last year.

The situation raised concerns not just with cattle industry leaders, but officials on both sides of the border too.

Friday, the USDA announced it will open some borders in phases, including the one in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. It will first open a port in Douglas, Arizona, on Aug. 24 while initiating steps to reopen the one in Santa Teresa.

Livestock crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the one in Santa Teresa, N.M., are set for a phased reopening, with Santa Teresa set to resume operations in late September.

The crossings were closed last year by U.S. and Mexican authorities to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that lays eggs in animals.

The New World screwworm lays eggs that hatch into maggots, which feed on the living flesh of animals, prompting the widespread halt of cattle imports and exports.

The Santa Teresa POE, the largest in North America, typically handles more than 500,000 head of cattle annually. This cattle trade through the Santa Teresa port represents an economic value of between $1.2 and $1.4 billion per year.

The USDA announced the phased reopening last Friday, with cattle trade in Arizona starting first. Columbus and Teresa in New Mexico are scheduled to follow in late September.

Daniel Manzanares, the Port Director at the Teresa facility, described feeling “pretty down about it” during the closure.

He noted that his staff at the port was reduced from 38 employees to four.

“I feel for them, for their families; we all have bills to pay,” Manzanares said.

Manzanares emphasized the significance of the crossing to the industry; he stated that for ranchers in the northern states, the ability to export is “a huge deal.”

However, he added that exporters must meet “strict protocol of USDA to be able to state this certain health status.”

Manzanares also expressed optimism about the future, saying, “But I’m heartened to hear that we’re going to be, hopefully by the end of September, open again here. And that will really reinvigorate the different industries here in El Paso.”

Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller advocated for the reopening.

Miller said, “We sent that message to USDA and they finally listened.” He also supports the gradual approach, stating, “So they’re going to open it gradually, which I agree with. We don’t want to just flood the market and crash the market.”

Both Director Manzanares and Commissioner Miller acknowledged the potential for future setbacks if the screwworm reappears in the borderland.

NMDA Secretary Witte also warned that “if we start seeing a lot of unexplained movements and we’re moving into those states, that’ll really cause a pause. I think in the, in the reopening.”

Manzanares added that combating the screwworm requires international cooperation.

“So we have to combat it in both nations by producing these facilities that produce a lot more flies. We need about 400, 500 million a week produced to knock it out,” said Manzanares.

Commissioner Miller also highlighted a broader issue concerning the national cattle supply.

“But even if we open everything up, it’s not enough cattle to really change the inventory a lot,” said Commissioner Miller. “Across the United States, we’re down so many; we really need these cattle in the United States.”

Santa Teresa and Columbus, N.M., are set to resume livestock crossings in late September, as the phased reopening will require continued adherence to USDA protocols and ongoing vigilance against the New World screwworm.

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Carpio Griego

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo and his team of graduate students at New Mexico State University are addressing the issue of food waste in their own way. He’s been working to find a way to make ice cream last longer.

After 36 samples, the team found the answer: manipulating the proteins.

By changing, the proteins bond to water better once refrozen, which allowed the team’s test ice cream to hold its form longer.

Martinez-Monteagudo knows this does not solve the issues of sustainability or food waste in one fowl swoop, but he said progress comes from smaller victories.

“I want to inspire or create awareness that there are ways to solve problems. It will not be the big solution. It will not be one solution. One time. It will be step by step.” Martinez-Monteagudo said.

Watch the full special report, “Meltless Mission,” Thursday on ABC-7 at 6 p.m.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The future Fox Cancer Center received a financial push from Ronnie and Ashley Lowenfield Monday. The couple committed $300,000 to establish the Ronald W. & E. Ashley Lowenfield Tumor Board Room.

Teams of physicians, surgeons, radiologists and other specialists will use the board room to review cancer cases and develop treatment plans for patients, according to Texas Tech Health El Paso.

Ronnie, who is the CEO of Casa Auto Group, said the decision to support the tumor board room reflects a lifelong belief that the best ideas emerge when people work side by side.

According to Texas Tech Health El Paso, Ronnie received a cancer diagnosis in his thumb. One of the first people to reach out to him was Steve Fox. Fox connected Ronnie with physicians in Houston and helped him through treatment.

Today, Ronnie is cancer-free, and his experience strengthened the couple’s commitment to helping future patients have access to cancer care in El Paso.

“It’s unbelievable whenever you get one of the worst things that you could ever hear in your life,” Ronnie said. “of you have cancer. “And then to have that piled on with you also have to drive 800 miles to the nearest cancer center.”

The Fox Cancer Center started construction in September 2025 and will be the first comprehensive cancer center serving West Texas, Texas Tech Health El Paso said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ABC-7 and Vitalant is once again partnering to host a blood drive at the KVIA station Wednesday. Our annual blood drive leading up to Aug. 3 is our way of honoring the victims of the mass shooting but also the donors who stepped up that day.

We encourage El Paso to maintain that very spirit of giving by donating blood at the El Chuco Blood Drive.

You can stop by the KVIA parking lot at 4140 Rio Bravo St. between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 29.

You can make an appointment for the blood drive using this website.

(Courtesy: Vitalant)

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juárez on Monday announced Katharine Beamer as the new U.S. Consul General.

Consul General Beamer succeeds Rafael Foley, who served until July 7, officials said.

The U.S. Consulate in Juárez covers the entire state of Chihuahua as its consular jurisdiction.

Beamer is a senior member of the U.S. Career Foreign Service and has 25 years of diplomatic experience, officials said. She most recently served at the U.S. Embassy in Belize.

She also worked as the director of the office of Caribbean affairs at the State Department in Washington D.C.

Beamer grew up in Encinitas, California, and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in international relations in 2001. She also has a master’s degree in sociology.

After graduating, she joined the Foreign Service and completed assignments in Washington within the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

She served at U.S. embassies in Guatemala, Poland, Slovakia, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Belize.

Additionally, she served as a state department Pearson fellow in the U.S. Senate and as a national security affairs fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, officials said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The New Mexico Department of Justice on Monday said it’s upholding the pretrial detention of Kimberly Skaggs. She’s accused of a deadly hit-and-run that happened in Las Cruces in June.

Skaggs, the former treasurer for the Republican Party of New Mexico, faces one count of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, which is punishable by up to three years in jail. She also faces one count of tampering with evidence, which carries a sentence of up to 18 months.

Documents said 40-year-old Andrew Brown crossed the street on his bike when Skaggs allegedly hit him with her SUV. He died to his injuries at the crash site.

June 30, Brown’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Skaggs.

The NMDOJ argued Skaggs should remain in custody pending trial based on the facts and circumstances presented tot he court.

After Skaggs appealed the detention order, the appeals court reviewed and affirmed the district court’s ruling, allowing the pretrial detention order to stay in place, NMDOJ said.

The case will continue in the Third Judicial District Court.

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