Fatal shooting on Interstate 40

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – In the late evening of October 27, a shooting on Interstate 40 just off Exit 85 to Grants, New Mexico, resulted in at least one woman being struck by a bullet. The victim was airlifted to a hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. where she later died of her injuries. New Mexico State Police responded and took 23- year-old Deandre Matthew Mirabal of Grants into custody.

According to NMSP, around 11:40 p.m. officers were dispatched to a shooting just past Exit 85 on I-40. Officers arrived on scene to find a 21-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the head.

In their efforts to understand what led to the shooting, NMSP officers discovered the pair was travelling westbound on I-40 in a Ford Mustang when the two began arguing. The female victim was driving. The argument quickly spiraled out of control and Mirabal pulled out a firearm.

The female victim attempted to take the firearm away from Mirabal and a physical fight began. During the struggle for the firearm, it went off and struck the female in the head. The victim was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque where she later died of her injuries.

Mirabal was able to safely get the mustang to the side of the road from the passenger seat.

NMSP officers issued an arrest warrant for Mirabal on Oct. 28 and booked him at the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, N.M., where he was initially charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. On November 1 the court system updated Mirabal’s charge to Second Degree Murder.

On Oct. 29 Mirabal saw Magistrate Judge Johnny Valdez where he was given a $5,000 Secured Bond. He will be seen again in magistrate court on November 9 at 8:30 a.m. where he is expected to see Judge Larry Diaz.

In a press release, NMSP said, “The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration. The name of the female victim will not be released by State Police.”

All court date information is accurate as of press time. The court system does have the ability and right to change dates and times.