Suspect in Santa Fe High athlete death to be tried as adult

SANTA FE, N.M. — A 17-year-old suspect will face adult charges in the death of a former Santa Fe High School basketball player killed about a month ago, a judge has ruled.

First Judicial District Judge T. Glenn Ellington ruled Wednesday that Estevan Montoya would be charged with murder, negligent use of a handgun, unlawful possession of a handgun and tampering with evidence.

Fedonta “J.B.” White died after being shot during a house party in Chupadero, north of Santa Fe, where several teenagers were allegedly drinking alcohol, prosecutors said.

A witness said during the hearing that he was inside the house trying to break up another fight when he heard a gunshot outside and that one his friends then said White had been shot.

Multiple witnesses testified against the suspected shooter, saying Montoya instigated the fight by approaching White.

Defense Attorney Dan Marlowe did not dispute who shot White but questioned who instigated the fight leading up to the shooting.

Montoya is being held at the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Facility.