Police say a rifle was unintentionally discharged during a weekend incident that left 24-year-old Alexia Verdugo Sigala dead.
SANTA FE, N.M. — A 21-year-old Santa Fe man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after police said he unintentionally fired a rifle that struck and ultimately killed his 24-year-old sister over the weekend.
Santa Fe police identified the man as Yasell Sandoval Sigala and the woman who died as Alexia Verdugo Sigala, both of Santa Fe. Police announced the charge Tuesday, three days after officers were sent to a residence near Rufina Street and Atocha Road for what was initially reported as an accidental shooting. Sandoval Sigala is expected to be summoned to appear in court on the charge, police said.
Officers responded to the residence at about 1:45 p.m. Sept. 5 and found Verdugo Sigala suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Santa Fe Police Department. Santa Fe Fire Department paramedics took her to a local hospital before she was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. Police later announced that she had died from her injuries.
Investigators said they learned during the initial inquiry that Verdugo Sigala’s adult brother had allegedly discharged a rifle unintentionally. Police said the shot struck Verdugo Sigala in the torso. Detectives interviewed Sandoval Sigala and took the firearm into evidence as they continued examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police initially described the death as a homicide investigation and said detectives were working with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine what charge, if any, was appropriate. The department later announced that investigators had filed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Sandoval Sigala. A criminal charge is an allegation, and the filing does not establish guilt.
The shooting was reported during a family gathering, according to local news coverage. Police have not publicly described in detail what happened immediately before the rifle discharged. Authorities also have not announced evidence suggesting the shooting was intentional. Their charging announcement specifically described the rifle discharge as allegedly unintentional.
Crime scene personnel processed the residence and collected evidence after the shooting. Police said detectives also seized the rifle involved in the incident. The department has not publicly released additional details about the firearm or announced further charges connected with the case.
Before the charge was announced, police said there were no other suspects at large and no continuing public safety concern for the community. The department has continued to describe the case as an active investigation, meaning additional findings could emerge as detectives review evidence and the criminal case moves forward.
Sandoval Sigala will be summoned to make a court appearance on the involuntary manslaughter charge, according to police. Authorities had not announced additional charges or a final investigative finding beyond the information released in connection with the case.
Author note: Last updated September 9, 2026.