A Durango man was being held Tuesday on suspicion of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death another man in southwest La Plata County.
The shooting was reported about 3 p.m. Monday at 712 Dream Catcher Lane, a remote road southwest of Durango past the Rafter J subdivision, said La Plata County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chris Burke.
The victim was identified as Jamison McMaster, 27, and the suspect was identified as Nicolo Anthony Tonelli, 24.
The Sheriff’s Office released few details about the shooting, other than to say McMaster died of a single gunshot wound from a 9 mm handgun.
Burke declined to provide a narrative about what led up to the shooting or an explanation about what gave law enforcement probable cause to hold Tonelli on suspicion of second-degree murder.
Second-degree murder occurs when someone knowingly causes the death of another person.
“The suspect has not been uncooperative at this point,” he said.
He said both men are from South Carolina but had been living in the Durango area for a couple of years. He did not explain their relationship, for example, whether they were roommates.
“The investigation is ongoing at this point,” Burke said.
La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith said an autopsy for McMaster was performed Tuesday.
District Attorney Christian Champagne said his office provided some “investigative support,” but the Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction over the shooting investigation.
shane@durangoherald.com
