Three Dead In Navajo Nation

"OJO ENCINO, NM — Three people are dead in a murder/suicide in the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation, according to Crownpoint District Navajo Nation police.

"Two victims were stabbed to death by a man before he allegedly took his own life, according to police.

"The incident was first reported to authorities just before 9 p.m. Thursday night. Ojo Encino is located on US 550 between Bloomfield and Bernalillo on a checkerboard portion of the Navajo Nation.

"Authorities have not released any information regarding the victims or the suspect at this time."

From kob.com...

Two Men Found Dead In Tribal Community

"PICURIS PUEBLO, NM — The deaths of two half-brothers at a Picuris Pueblo home Saturday appear to have been a murder-suicide, according to investigators.

"Law enforcement sources indicated Tuesday that Christopher Simbolo, 30, shot Ellee Mustache, 36, before shooting himself.

"Neighbors reported finding Simbolo shortly after 2 p.m., lying face-up and bleeding on the porch of a house on Eagle View Lane in southern Taos County, which he shared with Mustache.

"Mustache was found lying on the floor inside.

"Law enforcement sources said Tuesday it remained unclear what might have prompted the shooting, which local residents described as a tragedy that had shocked the community of fewer than 100 people south of Taos.

"Calls from neighbors to emergency dispatchers moments after the two men were found offered some insight into the incident.

"One caller described stumbling on the scene while walking past the residence, spotting Simbolo lying on the porch in a pool of blood.

"Another caller reported seeing a firearm on the porch where Simbolo was found had not heard any gunshots.

"Dispatchers in Taos received the first calls about the shooting at 2:17 p.m. A Taos County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the home, followed by medical personnel approximately 35 minutes later.

"But callers indicated the men were already dead or dying when they were found.

"The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs are investigating the shooting, which occurred on tribal land."

From taosnews.com...

Passerby Spots Bodies In Driveway

"AZTEC, NM — Authorities have released the name of the man killed in Monday's murder/suicide.

"Nyles Nelson, 51, was found dead of an apparent gunshot, according to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.

"Deputies were dispatched at about 1 p.m. Monday to a home at 21 County Road 3133 in Aztec.

"A passerby spotted two bodies in the driveway. Police identified the people as Nelson and 24-year-old Erika Brown.

"Police say they were a couple.

"Evidence at the scene shows Nelson fatally shot Brown before he killed himself, according to the press release.

"The investigation is ongoing, and a motive is not known.

"Neighbors in the area told deputies they heard three or four gunshots around 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Police on Monday say that's when they think the shooting took place."

Source: daily-times.com...

Police Find Man, Pregnant Woman Shot

"LAS CRUCES, NM — Las Cruces Police are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide that occurred shortly after noon Monday on the 1800 block of Sexton Street.

"Police were called at around 12:20 p.m. Monday, April 7, to the Sexton Apartments at 1850 Sexton St. Upon arrival, officers found a man and woman inside an apartment. Both had gunshot wounds.

"The 30-year-old woman, who was pregnant, was treated on scene and then transported to Mountain View Regional Medical Center. Investigators learned that the woman and her unborn child did not survive, and were pronounced dead at the hospital.

"Police found a 32-year-old man in the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Detectives also learned that a toddler was in the apartment at the time of the shooting. He was not injured.

"Detectives are still trying to determine what led to the shooting."

From kwrg.org...

Couple Found Dead In Pickup Truck

"PREWITT, NM — Federal and tribal authorities are investigating the death of a man and woman found shot to death in western New Mexico.

"The FBI and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety say the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in the front of a pickup truck around 3 a.m. Saturday near Casamero Lake.

"Authorities say they found a handgun in the vehicle but are not ruling it a murder/suicide until further investigation.

"They are not releasing the identities of the couple and an official cause of death is still pending.

"Witnesses told FBI officials that they saw the victims get into an argument in the truck before a shot was heard. They say the man then drove to a residence 10 miles away before being found dead."

From mysanantonio.com...

Troubled Couple Found Dead In Trailer Park

"BLOOMFIELD, NM — Bloomfield police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide case at a mobile home park on Thursday night.

"Officers were dispatched around 8:15 p.m. to a report of a shooting at Lee Hi Mobile Home Park, located at 525 North First Street. Police found 36-year-old Raphael Tena and 29-year-old Judith Barciaga-Orozco dead at the scene.

"The couple had been married for 13 years and had two daughters, ages 11 and 6, who were not in the home at the time of the shooting.

"`We are still continuing our investigation, but have determined that this was a murder/suicide,` Bloomfield Police Chief Mike Kovacs said in a statement. `It appears that Tena shot his wife, then turned the gun on himself.`

"According to police, the couple had been involved in a domestic dispute in recent weeks.

"`Ms. Barciaga-Orozco had come into our office stating she was scared of her husband,` Kovaks said. `Our agency set up a domestic shelter for her, however she chose not to stay there. She was also asked repeatedly if she had been harmed in anyway and never indicated she was.`

"Kovacs said Tena had also filed a complaint against his wife in recent weeks."

From KOB.com...

Pending Grand Jury Investigation Leads To Abduction, Shooting

"LAS CRUCES, NM — Las Cruces Police believe a grand jury proceeding scheduled for Thursday may have led to Wednesday night’s double-shooting that left two people dead. Preliminary information from the investigation leads detectives to believe the incident is likely a murder/suicide.

"Detectives learned that sometime around 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, Richard J. McIntyre, 70, of the 1800 block of Ash Avenue, was seen by a witness walking on the 2200 block of Solarway, near the residence of Lisa Cash, his 59-year-old sister-in-law. Witnesses told detectives that Cash got into her silver Toyota Tacoma, left the residence and apparently stopped to talk with McIntyre.

"Detectives believe that’s when McIntyre abducted Cash at gunpoint and forced her to drive. The two ended up on the 2200 block of Bellamah Drive where they apparently argued before McIntyre used a .38 caliber revolver to shoot Cash at least once in the head while she sat behind the wheel of the Tacoma. It appears that McIntyre then got out of the pickup and fired one shot into his head.

"Area residents heard the gunshots and called 911. Cash and McIntyre were transported to a local hospital where they both were pronounced dead Wednesday evening.

"McIntyre had been under investigation for the alleged abuse and sexual assault of a relative of Cash’s. The case against McIntyre was supposed to be heard by a grand jury today. Detectives believe McIntyre was upset at Cash for her involvement and possible testimony against him before a grand jury."

From KRWG.org...

Argument Turns Fatal

"ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Investigators now say a double shooting in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights was a murder/suicide.

"Wednesday night, a woman called 911 and said her parents were fighting at a home on Aliso Drive, near Lomas and Carlisle.

"Investigators say 65-year-old William Smortwood shot his wife, 53-year-old Barbra, after an argument.

"Police say the husband then turned the gun on himself.

"Both were pronounced dead on scene."

From KRQE.com...

Two Men Dead After Drunken Argument

"ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Albuquerque police now say two men found dead in a northwest Albuquerque home Monday night were killed in a murder/suicide.

"The shooting involved a man and his son-in-law.

"Investigators say 58-year-old Henry Aragon called 911 saying he had just shot his son-in-law, 38-year-old Antonio Trujillo. Before officers could get there Aragon had shot and killed himself.

"The incident occurred a little before 7 o’clock Monday night inside a home on Seaside Road, near Unser and Bluewater.

"Police say Aragon was drinking with neighbors since the afternoon.

"At some point Trujillo came home and began drinking, too.

"The two argued and Aragon shot Trujillo.

"Police say Aragon called 911 and could be heard screaming at Trujillo not to die.

"In the three minutes it took officers to get to the home, neighbors say they were pleading with Aragon to put the gun down, but he then shot himself in front of them.

"Both were pronounced dead on the scene."

From kasa.com...

Killer Calls 911 Before Shooting Himself

"DEMING, NM — Deming Police officials are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide that occurred Wednesday afternoon at 1820 S. Saddler.

"Det. Sgt. Clint Hogan said Robert Kratz, age 64, was found sitting in the living room with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found with a .38-caliber handgun in his lap.

"His wife of 43 years, Jean Kratz, age 62, was found dead in bed with at least one gunshot wound to the side of her head.

"Captain Bobby Orosco said officers were sent to the residence at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday after dispatchers received a 911 call about an unattended death.

"It appears the 911 call was made by Robert Kratz, reporting that his wife was dead.

"Kratz must have immediately turned the gun on himself, because Hogan, Officer Richard Gallosa and emergency medical responders who arrived within minutes of the 911 call found him alive but suffering from a gunshot wound.Orosco said Robert Kratz was transported to the hospital by ambulance but died in the emergency room.

"Hogan said no note was found."

Source: Las Cruces Sun...

Two Dead In Domestic Violence Incident

"SILVER CITY, NM — A Silver City man shot and killed his girlfriend Saturday night and then turned the gun on himself.

"Silver City Police officers responded to reports of shots fired at 11:09 p.m. Saturday night at the Gateway Apartments, at 2709 Leslie Road, according to a news release from the Department. Several callers reported shots being fired and one caller indicated the shots came from the apartment above them and they could also hear a female crying.

"Upon arrival, officers found two people dead from gunshot wounds to the head at the top of the stairs outside the front door to Apartment 31. Steve Becerra, 50, and Mary Portillo, 49, were boyfriend and girlfriend and were living in apartment 31 with Portillo's 8-year-old daughter, according to the release.

"The daughter was inside the apartment at the time of the shooting and was not hurt.

"According to the initial investigation, it appears to have been a domestic violence incident. The victims were found next to each other with a 9 mm handgun believed to have been used in the incident. Preliminary indications are that Becerra may have shot Portillo and then himself. Both bodies have been sent to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque for autopsies. The next of kin has been notified.

"At this point in the investigation, it is unclear as to what prompted the shooting. The investigation into the incident is continuing, the report states. No further information was available."

Source: Silver City Sun-News...

Two Dead After Confrontation On Roadway

"ESPAÑOLA, NM — An Española man and woman died Monday morning in what law enforcement officials say was a roadside murder-suicide.

"Española Public Safety Director Eric Garcia said 36-year-old Sergio Gandara shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Janeth Bojorquez, 33, mother of a 7-year-old child, off North Coronado Road just after 8 a.m. Monday before turning his handgun on himself.

"Garcia said witnesses to the shooting told Española police that Gandara was driving north on North Coronado Road when he crossed the double-yellow line in the middle of the road to approach a car driven by Bojorquez heading in the opposite direction. They stopped just a quarter-mile from the Presbyterian Medical Center.

"Witnesses told police that Gandara stopped his car directly in front of Bojorquez’s so that they were nose-to-nose, then got out of his car, approached her driver-side window and removed her from her car, Garcia said.

"Witnesses then began calling 911, Garcia said, reporting that Gandara had pulled a gun on the woman.

"`Within seconds of those calls, there were subsequent calls reporting that the woman had been shot and that the man was turning the gun on himself,` Garcia said.

"Bojorquez was shot in the upper torso, as was Gandara. Garcia said Monday he would not release the make and caliber of Gandara’s gun and officers were still investigating where he had obtained the firearm.

"Because the shooting happened so close to the hospital, emergency medical responders arrived on scene in less than one minute, Garcia said. Bojorquez and Gandara were still alive when ambulances arrived but were later pronounced dead at the hospital.

"`Unfortunately, the injuries proved fatal,` Garcia said."

From the Santa Fe New Mexican...

Death Of Couple Ruled Murder/Suicide

"BOSQUE FARMS, NM — Authorities say the deaths of a couple last week in their Bosque Farms home appear to be a murder-suicide.

"Rio Rancho police received a report of a domestic disturbance in progress last Thursday and notified Bosque Farms police.

"Officers at the scene saw an unresponsive man lying on the floor in the dining room area of the home.

"They entered the house and say the man was dead from an apparent shotgun wound to the head and a gun was found next to his body.

"The body of a woman with apparent gunshot wounds was discovered in the master bedroom.

"The couple has been identified as 54-year-old Arleigh Headcock and 56-year-old Nancy Headcock.

"State Police officials say it appears Headcock fatally shot his wife and then himself."

From KOB.com...

One Dead In Attempted Double Murder/Suicide

"LAS VEGAS, NM — One person is dead and two people are injured after what deputies called an attempted murder-suicide.

"Las Vegas Deputy Chief Eugene Garcia said the incident happened at a home at 401 Apache in Las Vegas about 3:10 a.m.

"Investigators said Barney Vigil, 43, shot himself after trying to hurt Nadine Vigil and another man.

"Garcia said detectives are trying to determine if Barney and Nadine Vigil were still married at the time of the shooting.

"No other details have been released."

From KOAT.com...

Brother & Sister Found Dead

"ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Albuquerque police say a brother and sister have died in a suspected murder-suicide.

"Police identified the two as Kenneth Robson and his sister Shirley Robson. Police didn't provide exact ages for the two, and they differed from available public records, but they were in their 60s or early 70s.

"Sgt. Donovan Olvera said in a brief emailed statement that police were called to a mobile home in the northwest side of the city just before 6 p.m. Saturday. Relatives told officers they had not heard from either of them and were concerned.

"Olvera didn't provide additional information."

From htrnews.com...

Death At Denny's

"CARLSBAD, NM — A murder suicide attempt in Carlsbad leaves one woman dead and the gunman in critical condition.

"Police say early Wednesday morning at Denny's, the shooter went to pay his tab with his waitress.

"That's when he pulled a gun and shot 34-year-old Rachel Rodriguez.

"He then went to the middle of the restaurant and shot himself in the head.

"He was taken to Lubbock where he remains in critical condition.

"Investigators say it appears to be a murder suicide but are still looking for a motive.

"The Denny's is closed while the investigation continues."

From NewsWest9.com...

Two Dead After Argument Settled With Gunshots

"ALBUQUERQUE, NM — An argument between a man and a woman in northeast Albuquerque ended in a murder-suicide Thursday morning.

"While investigators are still working to piece together the story they believe there was a history of domestic violence between Gilbert Larranñaga, 46, and Athena Martinez, 28.

"Albuquerque police responded to reports of shots fired at the Sandpiper Apartments around 8 a.m. Thursday. When officers pulled up they found Larrañaga dead on the sidewalk outside the apartments. They then found Martinez who had been shot at least three times in the chest.

"Martinez was rushed to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

"Police believe Larrañaga shot Martinez before turning the gun on himself.

"Officers say this is not the first time they had been to the apartment where Larrañaga and Martinez were found.

"`We do know that people have said they have, had been fighting here in the past. We do know we’ve been out here before, but as far as how many times or what type of reports were done, things of that nature, we don’t have all the information yet,` APD Sgt. Trish Hoffman [said]."

From KRQE.com...

"We Love Each Other Very Much!!!"

"SILVER CITY, NM — A tragic case of domestic violence ended in a murder-suicide Sunday night in Silver City.

"Victor Roman, 42, who has a long history of criminal charges, shot and killed his girlfriend, Trudy Huerta, 35, with whom he had a young son, and then turned the gun on himself.

"Silver City Police were called to the Los Cerros apartments in the 4200 block of Kiva Place, on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers found Huerta lying on the ground in front Building I in the complex. Roman was sitting in an orange vehicle with the engine running. As the officers approached the vehicle, they saw Roman slumped over the steering wheel with a shot gun in his left hand. Both Huerta and Roman were dead the scene.

"According to the investigation, Huerta was attempting to stop Roman from taking their son from the apartment when the crime occurred.

"Huerta had an order of protection against Roman going back to 2001. The couple had each filed protection orders against each other in March. On March 19, 2011, Huerta was arrested for battery on a household member. That charge was dismissed by prosecutors on June 8, 2011. On March 24, Roman was charged with violating a protection order. That charge was dismissed on June 7.

"On May 5, in court documents, Huerta wrote that she wanted to terminate the protection order against Roman because `we are going to go to counseling to get along for my son, our son. He is going to get help. We love each other and need to make this work for our family but still need to support his child. We love each other very much!!!` with a smiley face after the 'very much.' `We need and Love each other so much and will do anything to be together,` she wrote.

"According to court documents the order was dismissed on June 6, 2011.

"Huerta leaves five young children, ages 1, 9, 12, 14, and 17. Huerta was employed at Burger King and worked the second shift. Roman worked occassionally for All Glass MD in Silver City."

From the Las Cruces Sun-News...

Pair Injured In Botched Murder/Suicide

"CHAPARRAL, NM — Otero and Dona Ana county sheriff's deputies responded to a possible murder-suicide attempt, according to law enforcement officials.

"It happened just after 9 a.m. Wednesday at 833 David Michael Drive in Chaparral, N.M., according to Otero County Sheriff David Hunter.

"A witness at the scene [said] it started with a domestic dispute inside the home. The man hit the woman, giving her a black eye. They said soon after, the man picked up a knife.

"The woman was able to block the majority of the knife attacks, according to Hunter. She suffered only minor cuts on her hands while trying to defend herself, he said. The woman managed to escape and call authorities, he said.

"Hunter said after the woman escaped, the man decided to barricade himself inside the home. He then slashed himself across the throat and punctured himself in the chest, the witness said.

"The man was airlifted to a hospital and is expected to be OK. The woman is in stable condition, said Hunter."

From kfoxtv.com...

3 Kids Survive Mom's Murder/Suicide Plan

"GRANTS, NM — A woman is dead and her three children are hospitalized after their vehicle catches fire in western New Mexico.

"Sheriff's officials say the mother picked up her three children from school Thursday and took them to a pond near Ramah.

"All four took unknown pills. The Cibola County sheriff believes the mother died from ingesting the pills.

"Investigators found the 10-year-old girl, and 11- and 13-year-old boy at a nearby hospital early Friday morning. Investigators believe one of the children gained consciousness after smelling smoke.

"At this point, investigators believe the mother died with her foot on the gas pedal, which caused the vehicle's catalytic converter to smoke and eventually catch fire.

"Investigators are trying to determine what substance the four ingested.

"The three children are being treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. Their father is by their side."

From KOB.com...