Two Brothers Charged in N.M. Wal-Mart Shooting Were Trying to Steal, Investigators Allege

By ALICIA CALDWELL Associated Press Writer

The Associated Press

DEMING, N.M. Dec 21, 2005 — Two brothers who allegedly went to a Wal-Mart to steal were charged in a shooting at the crowded store that seriously wounded two bystanders.

Vincent Cantone, 24, was apprehended at the store after the melee Tuesday in this town about 30 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

His brother, Andrew Cantone, 19, was arrested about an hour later at his home south of Deming, Police Chief Michael Carillo told reporters. Investigators initially thought a third man might have been involved but said later he was a witness and dropped a search for him, the chief said.

Investigators believe the brothers went to the store planning to steal either DVDs or CDs, Carillo said. As soon as they left, employees brought them back inside, where a confrontation ensued and Vincent Cantone allegedly opened fire with a .32-caliber handgun, Carillo said.

Wal-Mart customer Linda Hack said she was shopping when she heard at least two pops.

"I didn't know they were shots," she said. She said she and a horde of other customers fled toward the back of the store.

The store was evacuated after the shooting but reopened Wednesday.

A Wal-Mart employee and a 4-year-old girl remained hospitalized Wednesday in "stable but very guarded" condition, Carillo said. A third person suffered minor injuries in a scuffle with at least one of the suspects at the store, police Lt. James Wycoff said.

The child, Serena Carrizosa, was shot in her side and a store manager, Sergio Jimenez, 28, was shot in the upper chest and hand, Carillo said.

Vincent Cantone was charged with attempted murder, child abuse, aggravated battery, shoplifting and weapons violations. His brother was charged with tampering with evidence, shoplifting and conspiracy to commit shoplifting.

It was the second outburst of violence at a Wal-Mart store in New Mexico in recent months. In August, one man was killed and another injured in an apparent domestic dispute inside a store in Albuquerque.