PRESS RELEASE

Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Huntsville, Alabama

Blake L. Dorning-Sheriff

August 11, 2016

Sheriff Blake Dorning announced today that at approximately 1500 hours on August 10, 2016, Claudia Gardena Franco, Hispanic female, age 30 (7-7-86), was shot by Ignasio Gomez, Hispanic male, (2-1-76) 40 years old , causing serious physical injury. Ms. Franco was transported by HEMSI to Huntsville Hospital and is currently stable but in critical condition. Immediately after shooting Franco, Mr. Gomez turned the gun on himself discharging one round taking his own life. These two subjects have 4 children in common and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently working with DHR to assist them with living facilities until further relatives arrive to take custody. At this time, no charges will be filed in reference to this incident.

This will be the only information available this date in reference to this incident.

Questions concerning this release may be directed to Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) LT. Brian Chaffin (256) 533-8854 or bchaffin@madisoncountyal.gov.