ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – According to New Mexico State Police, a 14-year-old opened fire on a family in January, hitting a 6-year-old boy in the face. He’s spent months in the hospital, and this week got a hero’s welcome back home to the Silver City area, complete with an escort from local fire departments and law enforcement.
“It’s been crazy. He went from running and playing every day, going to school, and in January, he missed school. He couldn’t go to school no more. He’s been in the hospital since January,” said Maria Palomarez, Jason Acosta’s mother.
On January 12, 6-year-old Jason Acosta, his mom, brother, and stepfather were waiting in their car outside a family member’s home in Hurley. According to state police, a black Dodge truck dropped off a 14-year-old boy.
The teen is accused of firing multiple gunshots into the family’s vehicle. Jason was hit by one of the bullets.
“The bullet hit his cheek, and it cut his eye, so he is blind in his right eye. It broke his nose, and the bullet itself, unfortunately, was left in the left side of his brain because it’s just at a place where if they go in, they’ll do more damage,” said Palomarez.
According to state police, the teen fled the scene, but police detained him. They claimed they found a dismantled handgun and ammunition on him. He was charged with attempted murder and tampering with evidence.
“I believe the crime should fit the punishment. My son had to be in the hospital. He was fighting for his life in the hospital for eight months,” said Palomarez.
Jason has had over a dozen surgeries and still has a long road to recovery.
“Unfortunately, they said when the bullet hits the left side of the brain, the other side of the body will be affected. His right side of his whole body is very weak.”
This week, Jason and his family returned home. His mom said he had nothing but smiles on his face when local police and firefighters in the Hurley and Silver City area escorted the family home.
“Everybody just welcomed him home with a big welcoming home parade. We went through the town and then they took us home.”
Palomarez said Jason still loves playing with his brother and has a good attitude in the midst of the traumatic experience.
According to state police, there was supposed to be a plea hearing for the teen on June 24, but it was rescheduled to August 19.
Jason’s family is collecting donations. To donate to the family, visit this link.
