Summer Coughran, Albuquerque Woman With History of Schizophrenia, Charged in Shooting Death of Father Kirk Coughran Despite Abuse Claims

An Albuquerque, New Mexico woman has been charged with the shooting death of her father after claiming she killed him because he was abusive, though police say her statements did not align with the evidence or prior reports involving the family.

Summer Coughran, 28, called police at approximately 2:45 a.m. Tuesday to report that she had shot her father at their home on Wildfire Road NW, north of Paradise Boulevard, according to authorities.

When officers with the Albuquerque Police Department arrived at the residence, they discovered the body of Kirk Coughran, 65. Investigators determined that he had been shot and killed roughly 15 hours before the emergency call was placed.

During the investigation, Summer Coughran told police that her father had assaulted her and claimed he had beaten her throughout her life, according to a report by KOAT. However, officers said her statements were inconsistent and did not match the physical evidence found at the scene.

Police also noted that Coughran was unable to describe any specific actions by her father that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their life at the time of the shooting, KOB reported.

Detectives later uncovered prior police reports involving Summer Coughran, including incidents in which she was accused of assaulting her father. One report indicated that she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and may not have been taking her prescribed medication. In that earlier incident, authorities said Kirk Coughran declined to press charges against his daughter.

Court records further show that Summer Coughran was charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer on December 24, 2024. Days later, another family member sought and obtained a restraining order, citing concerns for their safety and alleging that Coughran had made threats of physical violence.

Summer Coughran has since been charged with one count of open murder and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.