Woman, 27, Accidentally Shot

A 27-year-old Moorpark woman was accidentally shot by her common-law husband Sunday morning while he was cleaning his shotgun, according to authorities.

Alma Medez, who received a shotgun wound to the back, was taken to Simi Valley Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove a shotgun pellet from her lung, officials said.

Medez was in serious but stable condition Sunday afternoon and was scheduled to be taken to the hospital’s intensive care unit that evening, a nursing supervisor said.

The incident began about 10:30 a.m. shortly after Medez had taken a shower at her home on Sherman Street, according to Sheriff’s Det. Ernie Montagna. As she stood near her bedroom closet getting dressed, her companion, Luis Valdez Gastelum, 24, was sitting on the couple’s bed cleaning his shotgun.

The couple were preparing for a Mother’s Day celebration that would have included them, their child and several relatives who live in the home, Montagna said.

But while cleaning his rifle, Gastelum accidentally pulled the trigger, discharging one round and hitting Medez, according to Montagna. Gastelum began yelling for help and someone called police.

Police interviewed residents at the home and several nearby neighbors. No arrests were made.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the district attorney’s office to determine whether charges will be filed, officials said.