A violent domestic confrontation south of Las Vegas, New Mexico, ended in the death of Albert Salazar on the evening of Saturday, December 20, 2025. Responders were called to a home off County Road B47A around 8:20 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Salazar was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

Authorities identified the primary suspect as 55-year-old Michael Shawn Nicholls, the victim’s brother-in-law. Witnesses said Nicholls had been drinking and confronted Salazar inside the house over allegations of past sexual assault against a family member. Nicholls allegedly pointed a gun at a female relative and struck her with the weapon before firing two shots at Salazar as he tried to walk away.

Nicholls fled and an arrest warrant was issued charging him with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and interference with communications. As of late December 2025 he remained at large and was considered armed and dangerous. If anyone in the Tecolote area has information on Nicholls’ whereabouts or observed suspicious activity that night, please contact law enforcement.