Apodaca’s Guilty Plea in Cops’ Shotgun Slaying

ALBUQUERQUE – An Alamogordo man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the unregistered weapon used to shoot and kill Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson.

Jonah Apodaca, 31, provided a “sawed-off” shotgun to Dominic Cruz De La O, which he later used to shoot and kill the officer. Apodaca’s DNA was located on the shotgun shell recovered from the chamber of the shotgun and ammunition from the magazine tube.

The Court ordered Apodaca to remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Apodaca faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Apodaca will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

De La O was charged with possession of a firearm not registered with the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number. De La O remains in custody pending trial.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. “This guilty plea is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement in New Mexico to keep our communities safe from violent crime,” Uballez said in a statement.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. Officer Anthony Ferguson’s sacrifice will not be forgotten, and justice will be served. Apodaca’s guilty plea is a step towards closure for the Ferguson family and the community of Alamogordo.