Brantley will speak Monday alongside the family of 13-year-old Chris Carnero, calling for stronger laws and accountability to prevent future tragedies

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-District 35) will attend a community press conference Monday, April 13, at Las Cruces City Hall to address juvenile crime, gun safety, and the urgent need for systemic reform following the death of 13-year-old Chris Carnero.

In a press release issued by the family and event organizers, Janel and Manny Carnero will speak publicly for the first time since their son's death, sharing their story and calling for action to prevent similar tragedies. "Children in our community deserve to feel safe, in their homes, at school, and with their peers," organizers stated. "This is about making sure no other family has to experience this kind of loss."

Sen. Brantley issued the following statement ahead of her attendance at Monday's event:

"Chris Carnero's death hits close to home in every sense. This community gathered at Young Park less than a year ago to mourn three children killed in a place that should have been safe. Now we are here again, asking the same questions: what went wrong, and what will we do about it. New Mexico has a system that fails to intervene early and fails to draw clear lines about behavior that should never be tolerated regardless of age. I have toured our juvenile facilities, I have sat with law enforcement from Las Cruces to Farmington, and I have filed legislation every session to change this. The answer is not partisan — victims must come first, and public safety must matter. I will stand with the Carnero family on Monday because this community deserves more than condolences. It deserves action."

— Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-District 35)

Sen. Brantley has been among the Legislature's most active voices on juvenile crime and child welfare reform since taking office in 2021. She serves as the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as co-chaired the Republican Public Safety Legislative Task Force. In the 2026 session, she co-sponsored SB 165 alongside Democratic Sen. Linda Trujillo — a bipartisan bill to expand accountability for serious juvenile offenders that drew support from the governor and law enforcement but stalled in the final hours of the session.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Press Conference on Juvenile Crime and Gun Safety

WHEN: 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 13

WHERE: In front of Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main Street, Las Cruces, N.M.

Confirmed speakers include Janel and Manny Carnero; Lt. Bradley (Las Cruces Police Department); Sen. Crystal Brantley; Sen. Bill Soules; Angela Garcia (Child Advocate, Toy Box Learning Centers); and Marci Dickerson.