Police determine fatal shooting done in self-defense

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque Police Department homicide detectives along with the District Attorney’s Office have determined that a fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Albuquerque on Monday was done in self-defense. Around 6:05 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Grove St. NE in reference to a caller that said an individual had been shot, according to APD.

Authorities say after interviewing witnesses, detectives determined the shooter, James Lawrence, fired a handgun in self-defense as Francisco Fonseca attacked him with a blunt object. Fonseca died from the gunshot wound.

APD states that Lawrence will not be charged for the shooting which the department says will be considered a justifiable homicide. However, Lawrence has been charged for a probation violation and was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Police say Lawrence may also face charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm.


Compton Homeowner Shoots Man Attempting to Rob Him at Knifepoint

A man was fatally shot Tuesday as he was allegedly attempting to rob someone at knifepoint in Compton, the second fatal shooting in as many days in that city.

Deputies were sent to the 1500 block of West 156th Street at about 6:15 a.m. Tuesday on a report of an attempted robbery and a shooting, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.

“Upon their arrival they located a male Hispanic adult, in his 30s, suffering from several gunshot wounds to the upper torso,” a sheriff’s statement said. “Investigators learned that the homeowner exited his residence and was getting into his vehicle in the driveway. The homeowner was confronted by the male Hispanic adult who was holding a knife in an apparent attempted robbery.”

The homeowner then shot the suspect, who died at the scene, the sheriff’s department reported. His name was withheld, pending notification of his relatives. The resident was interviewed by detectives, and a firearm and knife were recovered at the scene.