Enchantment State News

Silver City, NM –Today, a Grant County jury convicted Cody McDonald of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Daniel Murillo. McDonald was found guilty of both counts and could face up to 18 years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

On the evening of November 18, 2020, an argument between McDonald and his child’s mother, Lorraine Wood, escalated into McDonald shooting a firearm, and fatally wounding Murillo, the boyfriend of Wood. McDonald then hid the firearm from authorities. Murillo was transported to the University Medical Center in El Paso but succumbed to his injuries. This case was investigated by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

"Cases like this are becoming too common in New Mexico, to the point that every community within our state is feeling the devastating effects of gun violence," expressed Attorney General Raúl Torrez. "While I hope this conviction will bring some measure of justice for Daniel’s family, the New Mexico Department of Justice will continue to do everything in our power to take a fierce stance against those who threaten the safety of our communities," added Torrez.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Special Prosecutions Johnna Walker and Assistant Solicitor General Criminal Appeals Lee Green.