According to New Mexico State Police, as reported by the NewMexicoCrimeReport.com for NewMexicoConservativeNews.com; investigative bureau agents were called to investigate a shooting that left one male injured in Fort Sumner. A Baca County woman has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting in Fort Sumner on Thursday.

On June 5th, 2025, New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents were called to investigate a shooting that left one male injured, on North 8th Hill Road, in Fort Sumner.

Agents learned that a confrontation ensued between a female suspect and a male, leading to her shooting him with a shotgun. After law enforcement responded, she barricaded herself inside a residence, but agents convinced her to exit the residence and took her into custody. The victim was transported by ambulance from the scene to a local area hospital and later flown to Lubbock, Texas, for treatment, where he remains in stable condition.

The suspect was identified as 63-year-old Sheri Head. Head was arrested and booked into the DeBaca County Detention Center on the following charge of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree. 

In New Mexico, first-degree murder is the most serious form of homicide. It involves the unjustified killing of another human being without sufficient excuse. 

Attempted first-degree murder carries significant penalties, often ranging from life in prison with the possibility of parole to a minimum of 7 years and a maximum of 21 years. The specific penalties can vary based on the state and the circumstances of the case. 

Here are the specific circumstances under which a killing is considered first-degree murder in New Mexico:

• Willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing:This implies the killing was intentional and planned in advance. The intent to kill is also referred to as malice aforethought.
• Murder during the commission or attempted commission of a felony: This is also known as felony murder, and it applies even if the killing was unintentional but occurred while a person was committing or attempting to commit another felony.
• Acts greatly endangering the lives of others: This refers to actions demonstrating extreme recklessness and disregard for human life, also known as a “depraved mind”. 

Penalties for First-Degree Murder:

• First-degree murder is a capital felony, carrying the highest penalties in New Mexico.
• A conviction can result in life imprisonment.
• New Mexico abolished the death penalty in 2009, so this is not a possible penalty for first-degree murder.