Investigation continues into shooting incident

CHAMA — Investigation is continuing into a shooting incident Aug. 9 which claimed the life of a 51-year-old man, but progress is expected this week.


Fresh from a week of official training, Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez said Randy Vialpando was at a residence in Chama at 2:48 p.m.  when a disagreement broke out and he received a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was taken by ambulance to San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.


Sanchez said at the time of the event that charges were pending and there is a person of interest who has been cooperative.


A jail officer in Costilla County said investigation is still incomplete and, District Attorney Robert Willett reported earlier that, while the 12th Judicial District has aided in the investigation, the case has not been turned over for prosecution.


Sanchez said the case has now been referred to Willett.