ESPANOLA, N.M. – Espanola officials are gathering to talk about why there has been a spate of violent crimes in recent months, including several homicides.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Mayor Javier Sanchez, police, educators and local charities met Monday to discuss stemming community violence.

Sanchez says there have been four killings since he was elected in March. He says that’s a shocking rate for a town with a population of 10,000.

The most recent case was the Oct. 4 shooting death of 18-year-old Cameron Martinez.

Police say suspects mistook Martinez for someone else and opened fire as he was riding in another vehicle.

Seven people, all between the ages of 16 and 22, have been arrested.

Participants in this week’s conference plan to hold more meetings to talk about solutions.