Hobbs Police Department (HPD) officers have arrested and charged a 17-year-old juvenile on the count of “Murder – (first degree Felony)” in the shooting death of Maharshi Bhakta.
The shooting incident took place in Hobbs at the Executive Inn Motel, 200 North Marland Blvd., sometime before 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 7.
A HPD press release states that officers found Bhakta, age 35, “lying on the ground near the door of a model room. Mr. Bhakta was suffering from several gunshot wounds.”
The press release continues that Hobbs Fire Department EMS (Emergency Medical Personnel) “…responded and transported Mr. Bhakta to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.”
HPD officers conducted a thorough investigation that led to the identification and location of the juvenile shooter who resides in Hobbs. On October 8, one day after the shooting and after an arrest warrant had been issued, the juvenile “…was taken into custody with no further incident.”
HPD reminds the public that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information about this or any other crime is encouraged to call HPD dispatch at (575) 397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575) 393-8005. Private messages may also be sent to HPD’s Facebook page.
Things to keep in mind:
- You may be eligible for a cash reward after providing information to the HPD.
- The HPD Facebook page is not monitored in real-time and is not a good platform to use when reporting real-time crime.
