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Silver City Today
By the People, for the People
Arrest Made in Silver City Shooting of Cobre Student
Espirideon Varela, 26, charged with firearm and drug possession in connection with the incident.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:06am
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A single spent shell casing from the shooting serves as a somber reminder of the gun violence plaguing Silver City's streets.Silver City TodayPolice in Silver City, New Mexico have arrested 26-year-old Espirideon Varela in connection with a shooting that injured a 17-year-old Cobre High School student early Sunday morning. Varela was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of drug possession after a search of his home uncovered several guns and controlled substances.
Why it matters
Gun violence involving minors is a serious concern in the Silver City community, which has seen an uptick in property crime and violent incidents in recent years. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address public safety issues and hold perpetrators accountable.
The details
According to police, the victim, identified as Kali Cope, was a passenger in a vehicle when the shooting occurred near the intersection of Market and Corbin streets just after midnight on Sunday. Cope was transported to Gila Regional Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the head. During the investigation, police executed a search warrant at Varela's home and found multiple firearms and drugs, leading to his arrest.
- The shooting occurred just after midnight on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
- Varela was arrested and charged on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
- Varela made his first court appearance on Monday, March 31, 2026.
The players
Espirideon Varela
A 26-year-old Silver City resident who was arrested and charged with firearm and drug possession in connection with the shooting.
Kali Cope
A 17-year-old Cobre High School student who was shot in the head while a passenger in a vehicle and is currently recovering at Gila Regional Medical Center.
Freddie Portillo
The Silver City Police Chief who issued a press release about the arrest and ongoing investigation.
What they’re saying
“Gun violence involving minors is a serious concern in the Silver City community, which has seen an uptick in property crime and violent incidents in recent years.”
— Freddie Portillo, Silver City Police Chief
What’s next
The judge will decide on Varela's bail status at a future court hearing. The police investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests may be made as they continue to identify others involved in the shooting.
The takeaway
This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges Silver City faces in addressing gun violence and drug-related crimes, particularly those involving young victims. The community will be watching closely as the legal process unfolds and hoping for justice and improved public safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
