Crime
Miriam Valdez Charged with Manslaughter After Fatally Shooting Damian Bazan in rural Donna
DONNA, TX — A 21-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal shooting in rural Donna, Texas, after she admitted to authorities that she shot her boyfriend with a firearm she believed was not loaded.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 20-year-old Damian Bazan.
The suspect, Miriam Valdez, was formally charged on Monday, one day after the incident occurred.
Deputies responded to a residence in the 13000 block of Hermosa Vida Drive at approximately 3:08 p.m. on Sunday after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, investigators began interviewing several family members at the scene, who stated that Valdez had confessed to shooting Bazan.
According to the sheriff’s office, Valdez later admitted during questioning that she had aimed a handgun at Bazan and pulled the trigger, believing the weapon to be unloaded.
She acknowledged intentionally pointing the firearm in his direction.
A forensic autopsy confirmed that Bazan died from a gunshot wound to the head and ruled the death a homicide.
Valdez is currently being held at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center.
She is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing later Monday.
The investigation remains ongoing.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.