Benjamin Mandile : “Debunking Fake Money Argument: One Shot Solution”

by Benjamin Mandile

TRINIDAD — An alleged altercation over counterfeit currency resulted in a violent incident at a motel in Trinidad over the weekend, as per legal documents.

The Trinidad Police Department was alerted to a potential shooting at the Days Inn motel on Adam Road in Trinidad, shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, based on court records.

Upon receiving the report, the Trinidad Dispatch Center informed responding officers that a disturbance and a possible gunshot had been heard, leading to the discovery of blood outside a guest room.

Several law enforcement officers, including a TPD K-9 unit and a detective, promptly responded to the scene.

According to authorities, the victim of the shooting was identified as 33-year-old Nadine Gamboa from Trinidad, who sustained a gunshot wound to her leg. She was swiftly taken to Mt. San Rafael Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Police indicated that the gunshot had resulted in a broken leg for Gamboa, prompting the application of a tourniquet and immediate transportation due to the severity of her injuries.

Upon their arrival, officers found Gamboa receiving initial medical aid from two individuals whose identities remain undisclosed.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the extent of Gamboa’s injuries remained uncertain, with the Trinidad Police Department refraining from commenting on the incident or releasing any official statements.

In a court affidavit filed in Las Animas County District Court, TPD identified the alleged perpetrator as 34-year-old Amanda Jean Eddleman, also from Trinidad.

Following an investigation involving interviews with multiple witnesses present at the motel during the shooting, a search of the surrounding area, and a brief pursuit, law enforcement managed to apprehend Eddleman near the intersection of Las Animas County Road 18.3 and Las Animas County Road 69 around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday.

During the traffic stop, authorities noted the presence of a child in the back seat of Eddleman’s vehicle, indicating that the juvenile had been at risk during the incident.

Eddleman was arrested on multiple charges, including criminal attempt to commit second-degree murder, aggravated first-degree assault, felony menacing, tampering with evidence, child abuse, and reckless endangerment, as outlined in the arrest affidavit.

During police questioning, Eddleman reportedly confessed to shooting Gamboa after the latter allegedly handed her counterfeit money, although the motive behind this act remains unclear.

Surveillance footage from the motel depicted a physical confrontation between Gamboa and Eddleman, with a male companion of Gamboa attempting to intervene before the suspect allegedly brandished a firearm.

Eddleman was captured on camera firing shots as Gamboa and her companion tried to flee the scene, following which she left the motel at high speed and later switched vehicles.

She informed police that she disposed of the weapon in Trinidad Lake, although its recovery status remains undisclosed.

Eddleman was subsequently detained at the Las Animas County Detention Center on a $45,000 bond and appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Saturday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 17.