Lawrence Lopez, 32, has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, a fourth-degree felony, in the death of his mother, 58-year-old Tina Lucero.
Source: Las Cruces Police Department
Photo: Courtesy LCPD
LAS CRUCES — Las Cruces police have charged a 32-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother during what investigators believe began as an attempted suicide Wednesday evening.
Lawrence Lopez, 32, has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, a fourth-degree felony, in the death of his mother, 58-year-old Tina Lucero.
According to police, officers and firefighters responded about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, to a residence on Los Ranchitos Road after receiving a report of a shooting. First responders found Lucero suffering from a single gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, she died at the scene.
Police said Lopez suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand and was taken into custody before being transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Preliminary information from the investigation indicates Lopez threatened to commit suicide and produced a handgun while in the presence of his mother. Police believe Lucero attempted to intervene and prevent her son from harming himself. During a struggle over the firearm, investigators believe Lopez discharged a single round that struck his hand and fatally wounded Lucero.
Lopez remains hospitalized. Police said he will be booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center upon his release from medical care.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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