Las Cruces Man, 19, Sentenced for First-Degree Murder in I-25 Shooting

Drake Armendariz, 19, of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on May 29, 2025, following a transfer from the Liberty County Jail in Texas. Armendariz, booking number 2500004478, faced multiple felony counts including first-degree murder, shooting at a dwelling or vehicle, and bribery. The record indicates he was held without bond following his return to New Mexico. According to court and news records, the charges stem from a March 2023 shooting on Interstate 25 outside of Las Cruces that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Benjamin Archuleta. Reports from the Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office show that Armendariz pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the fatal incident. Court and news records indicate Armendariz was convicted in this case and received a 30-year sentence with 16 years suspended, resulting in an effective 14-year prison term.