The San Juan County (N.M.) Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a former Mancos resident that occurred at her home in Flora Vista.
Lt. Detective Kyle Lincoln confirmed Monday that Karen Cugnini, 69, was shot and killed Sept. 30 or Oct. 1. Cugnini was also longtime Durango resident.
Lincoln said the investigation is ongoing, but a preliminary report indicates Cugnini walked into her home while it was being burglarized and was killed.
Lincoln said one suspect is in custody but on charges that are not related to the shooting. Lincoln said Monday he expected a suspect would be arrested soon in connection with the incident.
The Cugninis are an old-time cattle ranching family in Durango. Family members are involved in 4-H, Fiesta Days and the rodeo. Cugnini had lived in Durango, Mancos and Montrose.
Cugnini once owned a business in Silverton called White Woman Trading Post, where she sold Native American jewelry and rugs, among other items, said her longtime friend Karen Leavell.
Leavell said Cugnini graduated from Durango High School in 1964 and attended the class’s 50th reunion last year. She said the two had lost touch when Cugnini moved to Flora Vista.
“She was a cowgirl at heart,” Leavell said. “She was very vivacious, pretty and fun to be with. A good person.”
Cugnini married and then divorced Duane Cugnini, a local rancher and owner of Hi-Country Cattle Auction. She is survived by two daughters, Becky and Christina.
