Las Cruces man charged after falsely telling 911 he killed someone
A Las Cruces man is facing a misdemeanor charge after authorities say he called 911 and falsely claimed he had killed someone.
Court records say deputies responded to the call and determined the claim was untrue
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces man is facing a criminal charge after authorities say he called 911 and falsely claimed he had killed someone.
James Manuel Arellano, 46, was charged with dialing 911 to report a false alarm or complaint, a petty misdemeanor under New Mexico law. Court documents say the call was made March 6 in Doña Ana County.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court, Arellano used the 911 emergency line to tell authorities he had killed someone. Dispatch confirmed the call came through the emergency line and generated a response from law enforcement.
Deputies later determined the statement was untrue. Court records say Arellano admitted making the call but was found to have reported false information.
Court records show Arellano was later released on his own recognizance. A pretrial hearing in the case is scheduled for May 5 in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
Public invited to Art Stop 2026 artist reception in downtown Las Cruces — A March 12 reception at Amador Live will celebrate artwork selected for the city’s bus-shelter public art program, which expands to 12 locations this year.
Organ Mountain News publishes its 1,000th story — A milestone moment for the local newsroom reflects years of community-driven reporting across southern New Mexico.
New Mexico Attorney General warns residents about text-message toll road scam — Officials say fraudulent messages claiming unpaid toll balances are circulating and urge residents not to click suspicious links.
