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Self-Defense Claim Falters in Father's Murder Case
23 Jan
Summary
- Woman accused of murdering her father after calling 911.
- Contradictory statements led to murder charges, not self-defense.
- No evidence found to support claims of abuse or assault.
Summer Coughran, 28, has been charged with open murder in connection with the death of her father, Kirk Coughran, 65. She was arrested in northwest Albuquerque after calling 911 early on January 20, 2026, to report she had shot him.
Upon arrival, authorities found Kirk Coughran deceased. Summer initially told police she acted in self-defense, alleging a history of lifelong abuse by her father. However, investigators identified significant contradictions in her statements and found no supporting evidence for her claims of recent assault or past abuse.
Detectives noted Summer's documented history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia. A review of past police reports revealed previous accusations of Summer assaulting her father, who had declined to press charges. Her current legal situation includes being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
