safety
First-degree murder conviction upheld in Alamogordo police officer’s shooting death
By Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KVIA) -- Friday, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the state's supreme court upheld a first-degree murder conviction in a shooting that killed an Alamogordo police officer. Dominic De La O will continue serving a life sentence in prison without parole.
In July 2023, D...
Key takeaway In July 2023, De La O shot and killed Anthony Ferguson with a sawed-off, unregistered shotgun after an attempted traffic stop, the NMDOJ said.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The upheld conviction of Dominic De La O for the murder of Alamogordo police officer Anthony Ferguson brings a measure of closure to the community, but it also raises concerns about gun violence and its impact on law enforcement in the region. As El Paso residents, we are all too familiar with the risks faced by police officers, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they encounter on a daily basis. The fact that De La O used a sawed-off, unregistered shotgun in the shooting highlights the need for continued efforts to address illegal firearms trafficking in our area. Furthermore, the sentencing of Jonah Apodaca for providing De La O with the shotgun underscores the importance of holding accountable those who facilitate such violent acts. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor how local law enforcement agencies respond to and prevent similar incidents, and to support initiatives that promote officer safety and community well-being.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KVIA) -- Friday, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the state's supreme court upheld a first-degree murder conviction in a shooting that killed an Alamogordo police officer. Dominic De La O will continue serving a life sentence in prison without parole.
In July 2023, D...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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