One dead after shooting; suspect in custody

RIO RANCHO — An adult female was shot and killed following a domestic violence incident Dec. 26.

According to a Rio Rancho Police Department press release, the suspect, Darlene Valencia-Dean of Rio Rancho, was taken into police custody and charged with an open count of murder.

Per the criminal complaint, Valencia-Dean has also been charged with three other counts: two counts of battery upon a peace officer and one count of battery upon a health care worker.

The press release revealed that RRPD was called in “for a shooting in progress” at approximately 6:28 p.m. and responded to the area of Willow Creek Road NE and Animas Court NE.

Responding officers found an adult female with a gunshot wound to the torso. The victim was initially responsive and transported by Rio Rancho Fire & Rescue to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injury.