Manhunt Underway in Rural New Mexico for Michael a Shawn Nichols After Fatal Family Shooting

New Mexico State Police are urgently searching for a 55-year-old man accused of gunning down his brother-in-law during a heated domestic argument in the small community of Tecolote, San Miguel County.

Michael Shawn Nicholls, a local resident, faces an active arrest warrant for an open count of first-degree murder, along with charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and interference with communications.

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2025, around 8:20 p.m., when authorities responded to reports of a shooting off County Road B47A in the Tecolote area, a quiet rural spot south of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

According to court documents, the victim, identified as Albert Salazar, was shot during an argument inside his home. Witnesses reported that Nicholls, who had been drinking, confronted Salazar over allegations of past sexual assault against a family member. As tensions escalated, Nicholls allegedly pointed a firearm at the family member, struck her with it while en route to the home, and then fired two shots at Salazar as he attempted to walk away.

First responders attempted life-saving measures on Salazar, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nicholls, described as a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with blue eyes, fled the scene and remains at large. Authorities have classified him as armed and dangerous, warning the public not to approach if sighted.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is leading the ongoing probe. Anyone with information on Nicholls’ whereabouts is urged to contact NMSP Dispatch at 505-425-6771 or dial 911 immediately.

As of December 23, 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, and the manhunt continues across the region.

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