NM State Police on hunt for man accused of killing brother-in-law

New Mexico State Police is looking for a man who allegedly gunned down his brother-in-law during an argument in San Miguel County on Saturday.

Michael Shawn Nicholls, 55, of Tecolote, is charged with an open count of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and interference with communications, according to court records.

Nicholls, who has blue eyes and is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds, "is considered armed and dangerous," according to a New Mexico State Police Facebook post.

"The public is advised not to approach," the post states.

At about 8:26 p.m. Saturday, New Mexico State Police responded to a call of person shot off County Road B47A in Tecolote.

When officers arrived, they learned Nicholls allegedly shot his brother-in-law, Albert Salazar, during a fight. First responders unsuccessfully attempted life-saving measures on Salazar, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in San Miguel Magistrate Court.

At about 7 p.m., Salazar's wife told police they were inside Salazar's home when he and Nicholls got into an argument, police said. She told police while Michael was walking away, he turned, pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at Salazar, according to the affidavit.

Salazar's sister told police that before the shooting, Nicholls, who had been drinking, told her to confront Salazar about Salazar allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was young, police said. While driving to Salazar's home, she told police, Nicholls "kept pointing a firearm at her and hitting her in the head with the firearm, the affidavit states.

When they arrived, the sister told police, Nicholls made a comment to Salazar about "going around asking for Christmas forgiveness," police said. A conversation about the assault caused Salazar to get mad, "and he told Michael and (his sister) there was no forgiveness to ask for from him," the affidavit states.

After Nicholls and Salazar got into an argument, Salazar told his sister and Nicholls to leave, police said. She told police she then heard a gunshot and saw Salazar "clutching his chest." As Salazar ran toward the restroom, Nicholls shot him again, according to the affidavit.

Police said Nicholls stood over Salazar before grabbing Salazar's wife's cellphone and throwing it outside. Salazar's sister told police, "Michael made comments about his life being over and possibly killing himself and (Salazar's sister)," the affidavit states.

While driving home in a pickup, Salazar's sister attempted to open the door to get out. He pulled her back in and drove off. When he stopped to use the bathroom, she took the wheel, got home and left in another vehicle before being pulled over by police.

The case is still under investigation. If anyone has information, they are asked to call New Mexico State Police dispatch at 505-425-6771 or 911, police said.

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.