On October 19, 2023, a tragic and violent incident cut short the life of 23-year-old Ethan Ty Thompson in Farmington, New Mexico. While walking with a friend along Gooding Lane, heading towards a local gas station, a car suddenly turned onto their street. The vehicle backed up, and shots were fired, striking Thompson in the face and causing a fatal injury to his eye area.
His friend and others nearby rushed to provide aid until emergency services arrived and transported him to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the drive-by shooting led Farmington Police to two teenage suspects from the nearby town of Aztec: 18-year-old Bryce Trujillo and 19-year-old Emilio Hilliard. Authorities allege that Hilliard was the driver of the vehicle, while Trujillo was the passenger who fired a small-caliber carbine rifle, killing Thompson. Utilizing the city's Real Time Crime Center, police were able to track the suspect's vehicle. New Mexico State Police later stopped the car and arrested both Trujillo and Hilliard. A rifle was discovered in the back seat of the car, allegedly placed there by the front passenger.
Following their arrests, both young men faced charges in connection with Ethan Thompson's death. Bryce Trujillo was charged with second-degree murder and shooting at or from a motor vehicle. Emilio Hilliard faced similar charges. However, as the legal process unfolded, the charges against Hilliard were dropped pending further investigation, leaving open the possibility that they could be refiled in the future. Trujillo, on the other hand, was arraigned on the charges and pleaded not guilty. A jury trial has been scheduled to determine his role and responsibility in the untimely death of Ethan Ty Thompson.
