In June, 2024, Deputy Jacob Diaz, of the Otero County, NM Sheriff’s Department, responded to a call of an intoxicated person walking in the median of Highway 70. When he arrived, he encountered a 17-year-old Elijah Hadley. Unbeknownst to Diaz, Hadley had a very realistic-looking replica firearm tucked into his waistband.

As Deputy Diaz approached Hadley to check on his well-being, Hadley reached into his waistband and pulled out the replica pistol. Believing he was about to be shot, Diaz used deadly force to protect his life. This knocked Hadley to the ground, but, tragically, Hadley continued to reach for the replica firearm, forcing Diaz to continue to use deadly force to defend himself.

We can’t possibly know what was going through Hadley’s mind or what his true intentions were, but we know for sure that Diaz reasonably believed he was about to be shot. He did what he was trained to do and his actions were lawful. His own department investigated his actions and determined that the shooting was legally justified – he was returned to full duty.

Unfortunately, BLM and other radical activist groups demanded that Diaz be charged. So, months after being returned to full duty, the special prosecutor announced first degree murder charges against Deputy Diaz.

These outrageous, politically motivated charges cannot stand.

Deputy Jacob Diaz comes from a law enforcement family. He is proud to serve his community and hopes to clear his name and get back to work as soon as possible.