I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
The two women killed by Robert Reza yesterday were apparent victims of chance, Albuquerque police officials said Tuesday.
Sharon Cunningham, 47, and Michelle Turner, both confirmed dead, were outside the Emcore Corporation building at 1600 Eubank Blvd. SE when an armed Reza approached brandishing a semi-automatic Springfield 45-caliber handgun just before 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Reza shot Cunningham twice as she walked up the steps leading to the firm’s front door, apparently carrying supplies, Schultz said.
Then Reza, 37, turned and fired on Adrienne Basciano, 49, the apparent target of his shooting spree. Basciano, his estranged girlfriend with whom he had two children, was sitting outside the building at tables, Schultz said.
Basciano was hit and wounded, but escaped death. She is listed in “guarded” condition at University of New Mexico Hospital, Schultz said.
Michelle Turner, 36, wasn’t as fortunate. Turner also was outside and began running westbound, trying to escape the gunman. Reza shot her, and then walked up to her and fired rounds at the woman who was in a helpless position, Schultz said.
“Ms. Cunningham and Ms. Turner were shot without provocation,” Schultz said. “Cunningham was taking supplies from one building to another.”
Reza then entered the Emcore building by smashing a window and crawling through, Schultz said.
Inside he continued the rampage, wounding several others before taking his own life.
On Tuesday Schultz described a scene at Emcore of employees huddling under desks and locking themselves behind doors to escape the carnage. Rodney Noble was shot once in the back. The 58 year old was listed as stable at UNMH Tuesday, police officials said. Malissia Mai, 54, also was shot, but has since been released from the hospital.
Amid the chaos there were acts of bravery, Schultz said.
Dixie Colvin, 58, was shot by Reza in both legs. “She could not get out,” Schultz said. “And this is when other employees came to her aid and gave her first aid.”
At some point during his shooting spree Reza entered the cafeteria, where several employees were gathered.
“He looked around and exited the cafeteria,” Schultz said.
Reza took his own life by shooting himself once in the head.
Reza shot a total of 21 bullets in his minutes-long rampage, the 45-caliber handgun coming equipped with a 13-bullet magazine, meaning Reza re-loaded once, Schultz said.
Police have not yet determined yet how Reza came to possess the weapon, Schultz said.
