AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Albuquerque Mother Faces Charges Under Bennie’s Law
An Albuquerque woman, Leigh Cleveland, has been released ahead of trial after being charged under Bennie’s Law for negligently making a firearm accessible to a minor. The charges stem from an incident where her 14-year-old son accidentally shot his friend with her unsecured gun at their northeast Albuquerque home in August.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
According to police, the shooting occurred when Cleveland's teenage son and a friend were playing with her firearm in a bathroom. The firearm went off, striking the 14-year-old friend in the shoulder. Investigators reported the victim is expected to recover, and Cleveland’s son was subsequently taken into juvenile custody.
An investigation of Cleveland’s residence discovered three handguns that were not secured or locked up. John Kloss, speaking for the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, stated, “The investigation indicates that the defendant knowingly maintained multiple readily accessible firearms in a home occupied by children. Despite knowing that her children knew their location.”
Court Proceedings and Arguments
The state requested that Cleveland remain in custody pending trial, arguing that her alleged negligent storage of firearms posed a public safety risk. However, Second Judicial District Court Judge Lucy Solimon ruled that Cleveland did not meet the criteria for continued detention, noting, “She has a squeaky-clean record otherwise. So, for today, the standard is clear and convincing it is the same standard in terminating someone’s parental rights. That standard has not been met by the state. So, she will be released.”
Cleveland's defense also emphasized her lack of criminal history and her role as the sole provider for her family.
Conditions of Release Imposed by the Court
As part of her release, Cleveland is prohibited from possessing any firearms. The court also ordered her to complete a gun safety course. These conditions are aimed at addressing concerns about firearm accessibility and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Background on Bennie’s Law and Legal Implications
Bennie’s Law is legislation intended to hold individuals accountable for negligent storage of firearms that results in minors accessing them. The law reflects growing concerns about gun safety, child firearm injury, and legal responsibility in the case of gun accidents in homes where children reside.
The upcoming trial will address the specific allegations of negligent storage and clarify the legal responsibilities of gun owners in similar circumstances.
Source: krqe.com.
