Man Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Killing Two Teens in Roswell

Carlos Gallegos, 18, was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges in the 2022 shooting deaths of Cameron Luna, 15, and Jorge Armendariz, 16.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An 18-year-old man named Carlos Gallegos was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for a 2022 shooting at Cahoon Park in Roswell, New Mexico that left two teenage boys, Cameron Luna, 15, and Jorge Armendariz, 16, dead. Gallegos was 15 years old at the time of the incident and was convicted in November 2024 on charges of two counts of first-degree murder and other related crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence involving young offenders in New Mexico, where rates of violent crime have remained stubbornly high in recent years. The sentencing of Gallegos to two life terms sends a strong message about the severity of the crimes, though it also raises questions about juvenile justice and rehabilitation.

The details

According to Roswell Police, Gallegos and two other males shot into a parked vehicle that the two victims were in. Gallegos will be eligible for a parole hearing after serving 25 years, and he will receive credit for the over two years he has been jailed since his arrest in December 2023. His sentence may also be eligible for a 'good time' reduction. The other two shooters were also convicted in 2024, with one receiving two consecutive life sentences plus three years, while the other is still awaiting sentencing. A fourth defendant, a 19-year-old who was 16 at the time, made the plans for the robbery that led to the deadly shooting, and he pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and received two years' probation.

  • The shooting occurred at Cahoon Park in Roswell, New Mexico in 2022.
  • Carlos Gallegos was 15 years old at the time of the shooting in 2022.
  • Gallegos was convicted in November 2024 on charges related to the shooting.
  • Gallegos was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in February 2026.

The players

Carlos Gallegos

An 18-year-old man who was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and other charges related to the 2022 shooting deaths of Cameron Luna and Jorge Armendariz in Roswell, New Mexico.

Cameron Luna

A 15-year-old victim who was killed in the 2022 shooting at Cahoon Park in Roswell, New Mexico.

Jorge Armendariz

A 16-year-old victim who was killed in the 2022 shooting at Cahoon Park in Roswell, New Mexico.

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What’s next

Gallegos will be eligible for a parole hearing after serving 25 years, and his sentence may be eligible for a 'good time' reduction. Sentencing for the other shooter involved in the case remains pending.

The takeaway

The sentencing of Carlos Gallegos to two consecutive life terms sends a strong message about the severity of crimes involving gun violence and the killing of young victims. However, it also raises questions about juvenile justice and the need for comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of youth crime in communities like Roswell.