Socorro football player, coach shot during domestic dispute

A Socorro football player wrapped in a blanket had to watch from the sideline, his heart sinking, as his team lost to New Mexico Military Institute Friday night thwarting its chance to make a run for a state football championship title.

A day earlier, 16-year-old Josiah Barba, along with Oscar Acosta, an assistant football coach, tried to help Barba’s sister who was involved in a domestic dispute with her baby’s birth father.

Domestic dispute

A Socorro Police report stated, on November 14, officers responded to a call in reference to two males who had received gunshot wounds at a home located on Silva Street.

Upon arrival, officers asked the suspect, Leonardo Perez, 20, of Socorro, to come out of the residence with no weapons and his hands up.

Police said Perez came out and officers placed him into handcuffs and secured him in the police vehicle.

After being read his Miranda rights, officers questioned Perez about events surrounding the incident.

Perez reportedly told police he was having a fight with his girlfriend over a child, and a physical altercation took place, noting a female was pushed out of the residence.

According to reports, the female called her brother, who arrived a short time later with his 33-year-old assistant football coach.

Police indicated Perez was reportedly inside the residence and fired his gun several times, striking both males.

The victims were transported to Socorro General Hospital where Barba, along with his assistant coach, underwent surgery to treat gunshot wounds.

Police conducted a search warrant and secured a rifle from the residence.

Eight felony charges

Court records indicate Perez is facing eight felony charges and one misdemeanor, including abuse of a child (results in great bodily harm), three charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, three charges of assault with the intent to commit a violent felony and battery on a household member.

Perez is being held at the Socorro County Detention Center. His attorney has requested a speedy trial.

Prayers offered

Prior to the game, Socorro High School football players and their coaches gathered in the endzone to offer prayers for their teammate, Barba and assistant coach Acosta.

Although Barba was released from the hospital Friday night, he had to settle for watching the game from the sidelines during its final minutes.

Publisher’s note: See story on page 9 on Friday night’s game between the Warriors and New Mexico Military Institute.