Murder charge dismissed in party shooting

A murder charge has been dismissed against one of the two people police initially believed were responsible for the deadly March 22 shootings at a Clovis party.

Assistant District Attorney Jake Boazman told The News on Tuesday that officials no longer believe Kaleb Moreno-Ponce had prior knowledge of the shootings that killed two women and injured four other people.

"We've taken statements from him (Moreno-Ponce) and other people who were around him and Enrique Padilla after the shooting," Boazman said. "As of right now, we don't believe Kaleb or anyone else knew this was going to happen."

Moreno-Ponce, 19, was released on $5,000 bond on Monday from the Curry County jail.

Padilla, 19, remained in jail without bond on Tuesday. A pre-trial detention hearing is set Friday for Padilla.

Court records show Moreno-Ponce drove Padilla to a party at a building near Grand Avenue and Calhoun streets in Clovis. Police believe Padilla exited the car and fired 22 shots into the building. Lyrasha Haskins, 21, and Massahea Wesley, 17, died from injuries suffered in the shootings. Four other people also were shot, but have since been released from area hospitals.

Moreno-Ponce turned himself in to authorities after a witness identified him as the person driving the car. He was initially charged with murder and multiple other felonies in connection with the deaths. All charges against Moreno-Ponce were dismissed Monday except for a single charge of tampering with evidence. Boazman said Moreno-Ponce "got rid of the car" after the shootings.

Padilla still faces nine felonies including murder, shooting at a dwelling resulting in death, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors have said they intend to file a second murder charge against Padilla following the April 10 passing of Wesley in a Lubbock hospital.

Boazman said Tuesday authorities believe Padilla is the only one who knew in advance the shootings would occur. He declined to say whether Moreno-Ponce had agreed to testify against Padilla.

Dan Lindsey, Moreno-Ponce's attorney, declined to comment on Tuesday.

A court order setting conditions for Moreno-Ponce's release say he must reside at a Clovis home under house arrest unless otherwise agreed to by the court.

He also shall:

• Not possess firearms or dangerous weapons

• Not return to the location of the alleged incident

• Not consume alcohol or cannabis

• Not travel outside Curry County without court permission

• Maintain contact with his attorney