LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) is investigating a shooting that left 29-year-old Jasmine Christanelli dead. VCSO says July 9, around 7:30 a.m. deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim in the parking lot of the Adelino Early Childhood Development Center in Los Lunas.
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Deputies located Christanelli on scene suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim died on scene. Pete Romero, 37, had been with the victim and told deputies the shooting happened at a separate location and he drove her there to seek help. Through an investigation, VCSO determined a 911 hang-up call was made from the vicinity of Ciriaco Lane, and address known to be associated with Christanelli and Romero. When deputies responded to that location, they observed possible evidence of a crime scene, including suspected blood on the property.
VCSO says Romero later confessed to detectives he had been handling a revolver while he and Christanelli were in a red SUV. He told detectives the firearm discharged and struck his hand and Christanelli. He said he attempted to drive her for help and arrived at the Adelino Early Childhood Development Center, where deputies were called to the scene. Romero was arrested and charged. The investigation remains active…