Silver City, NM - On April 21, 2016, around 5:00 p.m., New Mexico State Police was dispatched to 1304 Serrina Court in Silver City in reference to a possible murder/suicide. It was reported that off-duty Silver City Police Captain Marcello Contreras (41) had fatally shot his girlfriend Nikki Bascom (31) and then shot himself.
Prior to the arrival of NMSP units, Silver City Police Department officers responded to the call, followed by Grant County Sheriff's deputies who secured the scene. The investigation was subsequently turned over to the New Mexico State Police.
New Mexico State Police investigators responded to the scene and learned Mr. Contreras and Ms. Bascom had been in a relationship and were in the process of separating. On April 21, 2016, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a male witness observed Mr. Contreras arrive at 1304 Serrina Court. The male witness approached Mr. Contreras who then pointed a gun at the him. Mr. Contreras demanded to speak with Ms. Bascom, who was inside a vehicle in the driveway.
The witness negotiated with Mr. Contreras who eventually agreed to surrender the firearm to him. Ms. Bascom then exited the vehicle and Mr. Contreras produced a second firearm and fatally shot Ms. Bascom several times. He then turned the firearm on himself. The witness called 911 and attempted to provide rescue aid to Ms. Bascom. However Mr. Contreras and Ms. Bascom died at the scene.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau Crime Scene Team processed the scene and collected evidence. Investigators are continuing to gather facts in this case.
Prior to the arrival of NMSP units, Silver City Police Department officers responded to the call, followed by Grant County Sheriff's deputies who secured the scene. The investigation was subsequently turned over to the New Mexico State Police.
New Mexico State Police investigators responded to the scene and learned Mr. Contreras and Ms. Bascom had been in a relationship and were in the process of separating. On April 21, 2016, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a male witness observed Mr. Contreras arrive at 1304 Serrina Court. The male witness approached Mr. Contreras who then pointed a gun at the him. Mr. Contreras demanded to speak with Ms. Bascom, who was inside a vehicle in the driveway.
The witness negotiated with Mr. Contreras who eventually agreed to surrender the firearm to him. Ms. Bascom then exited the vehicle and Mr. Contreras produced a second firearm and fatally shot Ms. Bascom several times. He then turned the firearm on himself. The witness called 911 and attempted to provide rescue aid to Ms. Bascom. However Mr. Contreras and Ms. Bascom died at the scene.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau Crime Scene Team processed the scene and collected evidence. Investigators are continuing to gather facts in this case.
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