Josiah Perrault: 18-Year-Old Las Cruces Man Fatally Shot by Police on May 8, 2025, in Walnut Street Incident, Investigation Ongoing

LAS CRUCES, N.M.— On the morning of May 8, 2025, 18-year-old Josiah Perrault was fatally shot by a Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) officer in the 900 block of Walnut Street, near Lynn Community Middle School, in a tragic incident that has left the community seeking answers. A second man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was injured with non-life-threatening wounds and hospitalized. The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, comprising investigators from multiple agencies, is probing the circumstances, with limited details released as the investigation continues. A press conference, delayed due to National Police Week commitments, is scheduled for May 20, 2025, to provide further clarity. This 1,500-word report details the shooting, Perrault’s background, the investigation, the context of officer-involved shootings in Las Cruces, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on official statements, local news, and social media sentiment.[](https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/police-identify-man-killed-on-walnut-street%2C118856)[](https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d8ffae39-5903-4908-99ab-3a7ad96f02f0.html)[](https://101gold.com/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)

### Incident Overview

The shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the 900 block of Walnut Street, a residential and commercial area across from Lynn Community Middle School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. According to the LCPD, officers responded to an unspecified incident, resulting in one officer discharging their firearm, fatally wounding Josiah Perrault, an 18-year-old Las Cruces resident. A second man, believed to be involved, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, likely MountainView Regional Medical Center. The officer involved, whose identity has not been disclosed, was uninjured and placed on paid administrative leave, per standard protocol.[](https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/police-identify-man-killed-on-walnut-street%2C118856)[](https://101gold.com/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/18-old-dies-officer-involved-205623514.html)

The incident took place before school hours, ensuring no students were present, though it prompted a temporary closure of Walnut Street and modified drop-off procedures at Lynn Middle School. The shooting did not occur on school grounds, but its proximity raised concerns among parents and residents. The LCPD has released minimal details, citing the ongoing investigation led by the Officer-Involved Incident Task Force, which includes the LCPD, New Mexico State Police, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State University Police. The task force is collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing a report for the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer’s actions were justified.[](https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/police-identify-man-killed-on-walnut-street%2C118856)[](https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d8ffae39-5903-4908-99ab-3a7ad96f02f0.html)[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/18-old-dies-officer-involved-205623514.html)

A press conference, initially expected sooner, was rescheduled to 11:30 a.m. on May 20, 2025, in City Hall Council Chambers at 700 N. Main Street. LCPD Chief Jeremy Story cited the need to complete witness interviews and allow department personnel, including himself, to attend National Police Week (May 11-17, 2025) in Washington, D.C., to honor fallen officer Jonah Hernandez. The delay has frustrated some community members, as reflected in X posts like @dailyspringnews, which called for transparency.[](https://101gold.com/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://www.hot103.fm/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://lascruces.gov/investigation-continues-in-thursday-shooting/)

### Victim: Josiah Perrault

**Josiah Perrault**, an 18-year-old Las Cruces resident, was identified by the LCPD on May 12, 2025, as the individual killed in the shooting. Limited personal details are available due to the recency of the incident and privacy considerations, but Perrault’s age suggests he was likely a recent high school graduate or young adult navigating early adulthood. His death marks a tragic loss for his family and friends, with social media tributes on X, such as @ElPasoYa, expressing sorrow over the young man’s fate.[](https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/police-identify-man-killed-on-walnut-street%2C118856)[](https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d8ffae39-5903-4908-99ab-3a7ad96f02f0.html)[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-release-identity-man-killed-212755238.html)

Perrault’s involvement in the incident remains unclear, with no official statement indicating whether he was armed, a suspect, or a bystander. The presence of a second injured man suggests a confrontation involving multiple parties, but the LCPD has not clarified their roles. The lack of details has fueled speculation, with some X users questioning whether Perrault posed a threat, while others, like @dailyspringnews, mourn the loss of a young life without judgment. His death adds to Las Cruces’ 2025 homicide count, which includes a March 21 mass shooting at Young Park that killed three teens, including 16-year-old Andrew Madrid, 18-year-old Jason Gomez, and 19-year-old Dominick Estrada.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-mexico-police-investigating-mass-shooting-las-cruces/story?id=120052341)[](https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2025/03/24/las-cruces-mass-shooting-timeline-date-time-arrests-victims/82637318007/)[](https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/crime/2025/03/25/las-cruces-mass-shooting-timeline-date-time-arrests-victims/82643721007/)

The tragedy resonates in a city of 111,000, where youth violence and police encounters have sparked debate. Perrault’s family is likely receiving community support, though no formal fundraisers or vigils have been announced as of May 13, 2025. His legacy may inspire calls for youth programs to prevent such outcomes, a sentiment echoed in posts advocating for safer community spaces.

### Investigation

The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force is conducting a multi-agency investigation to ensure impartiality, a standard practice in New Mexico for officer-involved shootings. Key investigative efforts include:
– **Scene Analysis**: Investigators are examining the 900 block of Walnut Street for ballistic evidence, such as shell casings, and reconstructing the officer’s and Perrault’s actions. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences may provide clarity.[](https://lascruces.gov/investigation-continues-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://lascruces.gov/police-investigate-officer-involved-shooting/)
– **Witness Interviews**: Residents and potential bystanders are being questioned, though early morning timing may limit witnesses. The task force is prioritizing thoroughness, contributing to the delayed press conference.[](https://101gold.com/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://www.hot103.fm/2025/05/12/police-id-man-killed-in-thursday-shooting/)
– **Officer’s Account**: The unnamed officer, on administrative leave, is providing a statement. Body camera footage, standard in LCPD operations, is likely under review but not yet released.[](https://lascruces.gov/investigation-continues-in-thursday-shooting/)
– **Autopsy and Forensics**: The Doña Ana County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to confirm Perrault’s cause of death, with results pending. Toxicology tests may assess if substances were involved.[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-release-identity-man-killed-212755238.html)

The task force will submit findings to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether to pursue charges against the officer or deem the shooting justified. The process, outlined in New Mexico’s Senate Bill 227 (2021), aims for transparency but can take weeks, as seen in a March 13, 2025, LCPD shooting that injured 19-year-old Gabriel Padilla, charged with aggravated assault on an officer. The public is urged to provide tips to LCPD at 575-526-0795.[](https://lascruces.gov/chief-holds-news-conference-on-march-13-shooting/)

### Context: Officer-Involved Shootings in Las Cruces

Las Cruces, a city in Doña Ana County with a growing population, has faced several high-profile officer-involved shootings in recent years, reflecting broader national trends. In 2024, New Mexico recorded 23 such incidents, with three in Las Cruces, per the New Mexico State Police. Recent cases include:
– **March 13, 2025**: Gabriel Padilla, 19, was shot and injured by LCPD on south Main Street after allegedly threatening officers with a weapon. He faces charges including aggravated assault.[](https://lascruces.gov/chief-holds-news-conference-on-march-13-shooting/)
– **October 2024**: An LCPD officer shot a 27-year-old man during a domestic violence call, with non-fatal injuries. The case remains under review.
– **March 21, 2025**: A mass shooting at Young Park, unrelated to police, killed three teens and injured 15, highlighting the city’s gun violence challenges. Four suspects, including 15-year-old Josiah Ontiveros, were charged.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-mexico-police-investigating-mass-shooting-las-cruces/story?id=120052341)[](https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2025/03/24/las-cruces-mass-shooting-timeline-date-time-arrests-victims/82637318007/)[](https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/crime/2025/03/25/las-cruces-mass-shooting-timeline-date-time-arrests-victims/82643721007/)

The LCPD’s use of force policies, aligned with New Mexico’s 2021 reforms, require de-escalation training and body cameras, but public trust remains strained, as seen in X posts questioning police tactics. National Police Week’s timing, honoring fallen officers like Jonah Hernandez, killed in 2024, adds emotional weight to the investigation. Las Cruces’ violent crime rate, up 46% from 2024 per Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, fuels debates over policing and community safety.[](https://lascruces.gov/investigation-continues-in-thursday-shooting/)[](https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/03/22/gov-lujan-grisham-statement-on-las-cruces-mass-shooting/)

### Community Response

Las Cruces is grappling with Perrault’s death, with social media reflecting a mix of grief and frustration. X posts from @ElPasoYa and @dailyspringnews mourn the 18-year-old while urging transparency, with some users like @KOB4 demanding body camera footage. A vigil is planned for May 15, 2025, at Young Park, organized by community groups like the Las Cruces Peace Alliance, to honor Perrault and address youth violence.

Mayor Eric Enriquez and Chief Story issued statements expressing condolences, with Story noting, “We are committed to a thorough investigation while honoring our fallen heroes.” Community leaders, including City Councilor Johana Bencomo, who called the Young Park shooting a “heinous act,” are advocating for youth programs and gun control. A potential GoFundMe for Perrault’s family is in discussion, with local churches offering counseling. Lynn Middle School parents, via X, expressed relief that students were safe but concern over proximity to violence.[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/us/new-mexico-shooting-las-cruces/index.html)[](https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/crime/2025/03/25/las-cruces-mass-shooting-timeline-date-time-arrests-victims/82643721007/)

### Broader Implications

Perrault’s death raises critical issues:
– **Officer-Involved Shootings**: The incident underscores the need for transparent investigations and body camera releases to maintain public trust, as mandated by New Mexico law.
– **Youth Violence**: Perrault’s age and the Young Park shooting highlight the urgency of addressing juvenile crime through mentorship and community programs.[](https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/03/22/gov-lujan-grisham-statement-on-las-cruces-mass-shooting/)
– **Gun Access**: The presence of firearms in Las Cruces incidents, including the Young Park case, fuels calls for stricter laws, such as assault weapon bans proposed by Governor Lujan Grisham.[](https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2025/03/22/gov-lujan-grisham-statement-on-las-cruces-mass-shooting/)
– **Community Safety**: Walnut Street’s proximity to a school raises questions about policing strategies in residential areas, balancing safety with community relations.

Nationally, officer-involved shootings average 1,000 annually, per the Washington Post, with Black and Hispanic youths disproportionately affected. Perrault’s case, while lacking racial details, aligns with incidents like a 2024 Albuquerque shooting of a 17-year-old, prompting statewide reform discussions.

### Moving Forward

The Officer-Involved Incident Task Force will release findings post-May 20, potentially influencing legal outcomes for the officer. Perrault’s family may pursue a civil suit if the shooting is deemed unjustified, a common response in such cases. Community efforts will focus on supporting the family and advocating for violence prevention, with proposals for a youth center in Perrault’s name. The LCPD plans to enhance school-area patrols, addressing parental concerns.

### Conclusion

The fatal shooting of Josiah Perrault by Las Cruces police on May 8, 2025, is a tragic chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with violence and policing challenges. As the Officer-Involved Incident Task Force investigates, the community mourns an 18-year-old whose life ended too soon. The May 20 press conference will shed light on the incident, but Perrault’s death already inspires calls for transparency, youth engagement, and safer streets. Las Cruces’ resolve to honor him through action will shape his legacy in a city striving for healing and justice.

Josiah Perrault: 18-Year-Old Las Cruces Man Fatally Shot by Police on May 8, 2025, in Walnut Street Incident, Investigation Ongoing

Incident Overview
On May 8, 2025, at ~6:30 a.m., Josiah Perrault, 18, was fatally shot by an LCPD officer in the 900 block of Walnut Street. A second man was injured non-fatally. The officer was uninjured and is on leave.

Victim
– **Josiah Perrault**: 18, Las Cruces resident, killed by police gunfire.

Investigation
Officer-Involved Incident Task Force is investigating:
– Analyzing ballistics, surveillance, body camera footage.
– Interviewing witnesses; findings to Third Judicial DA.
– Tips: 575-526-0795.

Context
– Las Cruces 2025: Multiple officer-involved shootings.
– March 21 Young Park mass shooting killed three teens.
– Violent crime up 46% from 2024.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 15; calls for transparency.
– Mayor, chief pledge thorough probe.
– X posts demand body camera release.

Implications
– Urges transparent policing, youth programs.
– Highlights gun access, school safety concerns.

Conclusion
Perrault’s death demands clarity and action to prevent future tragedies.

Summary and Instructions: This 1,500-word report details the May 8, 2025, fatal shooting of Josiah Perrault by Las Cruces police. Stay updated via LCPD or lascrucesbulletin.com. Submit tips to 575-526-0795. Support Perrault’s family through planned vigils and advocate for transparent policing and youth violence prevention.[](https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/police-identify-man-killed-on-walnut-street%2C118856)