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.
OMAHA, Neb. — At approximately 5:00 p.m., officers with the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and personnel from the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) responded to reports of an active shooter and multiple victims at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Criss Library, located at 6401 University Drive.
The initial 911 call reported a mass casualty incident involving an active shooter with several individuals down inside the library.
In response, multiple law enforcement and emergency medical units were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a comprehensive search of the building and surrounding area.
No victims, evidence of gunfire, or active threat were located.
After clearing the scene, authorities determined that the report was false and appears to have been a swatting call — a deliberate act of making a false emergency report to prompt a large police response.
The Omaha Police Department has confirmed that there was no danger to the public or the university community at any time.
The incident remains under investigation to identify the source of the false report.
Swatting is a serious criminal offense, and those found responsible can face federal and state charges.