In Portales, New Mexico, on the night of July 21, 2024, emergency services were called to a residence in the 300 block of South Avenue E. Inside, they found 18-year-old Demariay Singleton, a Black / African American male, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was quickly transported to Roosevelt General Hospital for his injuries. Those present in the house, a mix of adults and juveniles, initially told investigators that the gunshot had been a tragic accident, a self-inflicted
wound.
However, as the Portales Police Department and the 9th Judicial District Major Crimes Unit delved deeper into the incident, a different story began to emerge. The initial claims of an accidental, self-inflicted shooting started to unravel under the scrutiny of the investigation. The evidence collected and interviews conducted over the following days painted a picture that was inconsistent with the initial reports from the scene.
Two days after the shooting, on July 23, 2024, the investigation led to a significant development. An arrest warrant was issued for a 16-year-old juvenile. The charges brought against the unnamed suspect included negligent manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, indicating a belief by law enforcement that the death of Demariay Singleton was not self-inflicted but the result of another's actions. The charge of tampering with evidence suggested that there had been an attempt to alter the scene or conceal the true nature of the events that transpired that night.
Demariay was remembered as a kindhearted and giving person, known for being a goofy prankster who loved to play video games and spend time with his friends. He was an active member of his community, working at the University Baptist Church in Portales. His family and friends described him as someone who believed in second chances and was a dedicated servant for God.
