Santa Fe police in-custody death under NMSP investigation

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Police have launched an investigation into an in-custody death involving the Santa Fe Police Department.

The investigation stems from a call Santa Fe police received, around 8:10 p.m. Saturday, about removing a woman from a residence. Around 8:50 p.m., the reporting person said the woman, 36-year-old Melanie Garcia, was destroying things within the residence.

At 9:20 p.m., officers arrived at the residence and learned Garcia wasn’t at the scene. However, she then returned and was seen with a firearm. Officers gave her verbal commands and reportedly tased her before she sustained a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound. She died at the scene from her wound.

No officers were injured during the incident.

New Mexico State Police is working to investigate the case before presenting their findings to the district attorney.