A Towaoc woman was shot and killed Sunday night, Sept. 15, in Cortez, and another man was airlifted for a medical evacuation as a result of the same incident.
Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane said Natalie Hatch, 21, was killed Sunday as a result of a shooting around 10:15 p.m. at Cedar Terrace Apartments. Quincy Yellow, 18, of Towaoc also was shot at the scene and airlifted to an unknown medical center, Lane said.
“The case is still under investigation, and we have limited details at this time,” Lane said.
As of Monday morning, Sept. 16, the crime scene remained roped off for a police investigation, and no arrests had been made. Police were still canvassing the neighborhood for potential witnesses Monday morning, but Lane said residents were in no immediate danger.
“There are several people of interest that we’re talking to,” Lane said.
Lane said it was too early to speculate on a motive for the shooting, and he declined to comment on the type of weapon used in the incident. Both victims were residents of the apartment complex, he said.
Jim Andrus a resident of the apartment complex, said he heard four shots, two very loud and two muffled.
“It sounded like a cannon went off,” he said. “I’ve lived here 18 years, and this is the first murder. It’s usually pretty quiet around here.”
Witnesses reported a brawl shortly before the shooting, which took place in a second-floor unit. A man leaving the area picked up “something long and skinny from the yard” witnesses said. Another person was seen walking north on Cedar Street shortly after the incident.
Sunday’s shooting marks the second such incident in four days. Stefen Chihocky, 22, reportedly fell from a moving vehicle near the Ute Mountain Casino after being shot on Wednesday. Sept. 11.
Released from the hospital, a friend confirmed that Chihocky was shot in the right shoulder. He also suffered a gash on his head and severe road rash on his back.
Ivan Martin, 25, was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated robbery in connection to the Chihocky incident. His bond was set at $75,000.
As of press time, it was unknown if authorities had captured a second suspect wanted in connection with the Chihocky shooting.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com