Woman steals Civil War-era gun, then opens fire, New Mexico officials say
A woman swiped a Civil War-era gun and then opened fire when the owner tried to get the weapon back, New Mexico officials said.
Janice Kowalchuk was convicted of assault, burglary, larceny and negligent use of a deadly weapon charges after a trial, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said in a July 23 post on Facebook.
The 34-year-old faces 10–plus years behind bars when she’s sentenced, prosecutors said. A sentencing date wasn’t announced.
McClatchy News reached out to her attorneys July 25 and was awaiting a response.
Kowalchuk is accused of breaking into a van July 31, 2022, and making off with the 1860 Colt revolver, prosecutors said.
“When the victim confronted her and attempted to retrieve the firearm, Kowalchuk opened fire,” according to prosecutors. No injuries were reported.
Bernalillo County includes Albuquerque.
This story was originally published July 25, 2025 at 11:52 AM.
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