Danette Acosta, a 31-year-old resident of Carlsbad, New Mexico, lost her life to gun violence on May 13, 2017. The incident involved a shooting that resulted in her fatal injury.
The perpetrator of the crime was identified as Fabian T. Carrasco Sr. According to the details from the legal proceedings, on the night of the incident, Carrasco shot two women at close range. One of the victims, Danette Acosta, was fatally shot in the head, while the other victim, identified as Ms.
Gutierrez, survived a gunshot wound to the face.
Carrasco was subsequently charged and pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and attempt to commit first-degree murder. This plea was part of the criminal proceedings that led to his conviction. The case also involved civil actions brought by the survivors and the estate of Danette Acosta against Carrasco, alleging negligence, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and wrongful death.
Following the shooting, Carrasco was arrested and later convicted based on his plea. The conviction was a result of the criminal investigation and the evidence gathered at the scene, which included the weapon used in the shooting. The court's judgment on the pleadings confirmed that Carrasco's actions fell within the exclusions of his insurance policies, meaning his insurer, American National Property and Casualty Company, was not obligated to defend or indemnify him in the civil lawsuit.
The case highlights the tragic outcome of the violent incident and the subsequent legal battles that ensued. Danette Acosta's death was a result of the deliberate actions of Fabian T. Carrasco Sr., who is now serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. The civil lawsuit filed by the victims and the estate of Danette Acosta aimed to hold Carrasco accountable for his actions and to seek compensation for the damages inflicted. However, the insurance company's declaratory judgment clarified that they would not be liable for any damages or legal defense costs associated with Carrasco's actions.
