New Mexico Teen Arrested in Slaying

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - A teen-ager charged in another boy's killing admitted fighting with the boy but didn't know anything about his death until he saw it reported on television, the suspect's mother said Friday.

Sixteen-year-old Fred Martinez Jr. was an openly gay Navajo, and authorities were investigating whether he was killed because of his race or sexual orientation.

His body was discovered June 21, a short distance from his home near the southeastern Colorado town of Cortez. Martinez had last been seen five days earlier leaving for a carnival in the town.

Shaun Murphy, 18, who lives with his mother about 45 miles southeast of Cortez in Farmington, was charged with second-degree murder in Martinez's death. He agreed Friday not to challenge his extradition to Colorado.

Murphy's mother, Angel Murphy Tacoronte, 34, said her son had attended the carnival in Cortez on June 16 and returned home with marks from a fight.

She said that before his arrest Murphy began crying when he saw a report on television that Martinez had died and recognized the dead boy's picture.

``He said, 'Mom, that's the kid I got into a fight with,''' Tacoronte said. ``I said, 'Are you sure that's the kid?' And he fell apart.''

She said her son told her several other people were at the fight but she didn't know who they were.

Paul Bostrom, Montezuma County coroner, said Martinez had been beaten and bludgeoned with a blunt object such as a rock, and may have died of exposure. A puncture wound was also found on his abdomen.

Martinez had been known to wear makeup and carry a purse to school. He was described by classmates as openly gay, outgoing and happy.

Tacoronte said she did not know what prompted the fight but said it could not have been Martinez's race or sexual orientation because she is gay and has dated American Indians.

Tacoronte said her son, who has a 21-month-old daughter and a pregnant girlfriend, obtained a GED last year and had worked as a pipe layer. He was planning to join the Navy in October.

Authorities would not release any other details about the case after it was sealed Thursday through a court order.

Pauline Mitchell, Martinez's mother, declined comment Friday.