On March 10, 2021, 15-year-old Alexander 'Alex' James Jackson was fatally shot near the old Club Rio Rancho golf course in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Alex, a student at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, was known for his fearless spirit and achievements in BMX and football.
The investigation revealed that Alex had arranged to meet his 18-year-old friend, Richard Cresap, to resolve a personal dispute.
During the encounter, Alex reportedly brandished a BB gun, which Cresap mistook for a real firearm, prompting him to shoot Alex 11 times.
Cresap was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. In April 2022, he accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of other charges. Subsequently, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Tragically, on December 5, 2023, Cresap was found dead at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility near Las Cruces. The New Mexico Corrections Department identified his death as a suspected homicide, and an investigation is ongoing.
Alex's untimely death profoundly affected his family and the Rio Rancho community. His mother, Abbie Jackson, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her son, who was cherished for his kind spirit, generosity, and infectious laughter.
