A family argument Tuesday night in Chamberino ended when a 53-year-old woman was allegedly shot in the head by her brother.
The incident happened in the 400 block of Medina Street. According to Doña Ana County Sheriff’s detectives who were called to the scene, 42-year-old Javier Cadena had reportedly been arguing with his nephew earlier in the evening.
During the argument, Cadena reportedly went into his bedroom and came out with a small caliber rifle. That’s when witnesses, who included three children between the ages of five and 12, said the 53-year-old woman, later identified as Cadena’s sister, intervened. Cadena and his sister reportedly got into a scuffle before the gun went off.
The 12-year-old called 911. Sheriff’s deputies arrived quickly, as they were already in the area investigating a related call of Cadena’s erratic behavior in close proximity to where the shooting took place.
Cadena was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, tampering with evidence, and three counts of child abuse. He is being held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center on a $50,000 secured bond.
The victim was taken to an El Paso-area hospital. Her condition was described as non life-threatening, and she is expected to recover.
Information from Doña Ana County