Silver City man arrested in shooting of Cobre High student

Abran Travis Grijalva, 37, charged with attempted murder and other counts in March 29 incident

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:00am

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An extreme close-up of a metallic bullet fragment or spent shell casing, starkly lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the crime scene.The aftermath of a shooting that has shaken a small community and left a young victim fighting for her life.Silver City Today

Police in Silver City, New Mexico have arrested a 37-year-old man, Abran Travis Grijalva, in connection with the shooting of a 17-year-old Cobre High School student on March 29. Grijalva faces charges including attempted murder, shooting at a motor vehicle, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

The shooting of a high school student has shaken the Silver City community, raising concerns about public safety and gun violence. The arrest of a suspect provides some closure, but the investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the motive and circumstances behind the attack.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred around midnight on March 29 at the intersection of Market and Corbin Streets. Grijalva allegedly saw the victim's vehicle drive by his home on Corbin Street and fired multiple shots, striking the 17-year-old girl in the head. The victim was taken to the hospital by the driver of the vehicle, accompanied by a Silver City police officer.

  • The shooting occurred around midnight on March 29.
  • Grijalva was arrested by Silver City police at around 12:30 p.m. on April 8.

The players

Abran Travis Grijalva

A 37-year-old Silver City resident who has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and other counts in the shooting of a 17-year-old Cobre High School student.

Kali Cope

The 17-year-old Cobre High School student who was shot in the head during the March 29 incident and remains hospitalized.

Espirideon Varela

A 26-year-old man who was arrested on March 29 in connection with the investigation, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Freddie Portillo

The Silver City Police Chief, who praised the hard work and dedication of the officers involved in the case.

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What they’re saying

“'I appreciate the many hours, hard work and dedication that all of the officers involved in this case have put in to bring justice to the victim and to her family. It's been all hands on deck, and the investigation is ongoing.'”

— Freddie Portillo, Silver City Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Grijalva's bail status at a hearing next week. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

The takeaway

This shooting has shaken the Silver City community and raised concerns about gun violence and public safety. The arrest of a suspect provides some relief, but the ongoing investigation and the victim's continued hospitalization serve as a sobering reminder of the real human toll of such incidents.