Second Victim Struck in Silver City Shooting

Prosecutors seek pretrial detention for suspect Abran Grijalva after two women were injured in the March 29 incident.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:00am

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An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit dramatically by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any words or symbols.A recent wave of gun violence in Silver City has left residents on edge and authorities searching for solutions.Silver City Today

A 17-year-old girl and a woman in a nearby home were both struck by gunfire during a shooting incident in Silver City, New Mexico on March 29. Abran Grijalva, 37, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, shooting at a motor vehicle, and other felonies. Prosecutors have filed a motion for pretrial detention, citing the serious nature of the charges and Grijalva's potential danger to the community.

Why it matters

The shooting raises concerns about public safety and gun violence in the Silver City community. It also highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders and illegal firearms.

The details

According to an arrest affidavit, Grijalva was seen on video exiting his home with what appeared to be a handgun shortly before the shooting occurred around midnight on March 29. A 17-year-old girl who was a passenger in a vehicle was hit in the head by one of two rounds that struck the vehicle. A woman in a nearby house was also struck in the chest, though her injury was not life-threatening. Police later executed a search warrant at Grijalva's home and found several firearms, leading to an additional arrest of Espirideon Varela, 26, on felon in possession of a firearm charges.

  • The shooting occurred around midnight on March 29, 2026.
  • Grijalva was arrested on April 8, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing and detention hearing for Grijalva are scheduled for April 21, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing for Varela is scheduled for May 27, 2026.

The players

Abran Grijalva

A 37-year-old Silver City resident who has been charged with attempted murder and other felonies related to the March 29 shooting incident.

Espirideon Varela

A 26-year-old man who was arrested and charged with felon in possession of a firearm and drug possession after police executed a search warrant at Grijalva's home.

Kali Cope

A 17-year-old Cobre High School student who was a passenger in a vehicle and was struck in the head by gunfire during the March 29 shooting.

Freddie Portillo

The Silver City Police Chief.

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What they’re saying

“The injury was not life-threatening.”

— Freddie Portillo, Silver City Police Chief

What’s next

A preliminary hearing and hearing on the pretrial detention motion for Abran Grijalva are scheduled for April 21, 2026. A preliminary hearing for Espirideon Varela is scheduled for May 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This shooting incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and repeat offenders in the Silver City community. The case will likely prompt renewed discussions about public safety, bail reform, and the need for stronger measures to keep illegal firearms off the streets.