A member of the Española Valley High School’s cheerleading stunt squad allegedly pushed a teammate down a flight of stairs after overhearing others saying they would “drop her on her head” during a stunt, according to an Española Police report.
The team was lifting junior Merica Martinez, 17, up in the air during a routine stunt at the Jan. 21 boys basketball home game against Capital High School when she heard a group of fans yelling “drop her on her head” from the stands, the report states. Senior Monique Archuleta, 17, a teammate, assured her she was safe, and Martinez responded that “they better not f-ing drop her or else,” according to the report.
Martinez and her mother, Christina Martinez, told police Merica Martinez had overheard Archuleta tell classmates “pay me and I’ll drop her,” the report states. Archuleta told police she had not said that. Her father, Bobby Archuleta, of Medanales, declined to comment on the extent of his daughter’s injuries.
At cheerleading practice the day after the game, Martinez showed up with her mother, who allegedly glared at Monique Archuleta throughout the practice. As Monique Archuleta was leaving practice with senior and teammate Carlos Abeyta, Merica Martinez allegedly pushed her, “causing her to fall down the stairs,” the report states.
Abeyta later told police he overheard Merica Martinez say, “Get her” to Christina Martinez, who responded, “I’ll get her after tomorrow’s game,” according to the report.
Both denied to police that Merica Martinez had pushed Archuleta, the report states. Christina Martinez said Tuesday she would comment on the incident after talking to her attorney, but could not be reached for comment afterward.
High school Athletic Director David Fontaine, who handled the incident, could not be reached for comment.
No arrests have been made and no charges filed in the case.