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Inset: Luis Sanchez (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center). Background: Authorities responding to the home where Sanchez allegedly shot his wife and 2 kids (KOB).
A tragic incident in New Mexico has led to the arrest of a 41-year-old man, Luis Sanchez, who is accused of fatally shooting his wife’s 4-year-old son and critically wounding her and her 1-year-old child. The local sheriff described the scene as potentially “the most horrific” he has encountered in his career.
Sanchez was apprehended on Tuesday and faces several serious charges, including intentional child abuse resulting in death and aggravated battery leading to severe bodily harm to a household member, according to officials.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a domestic violence call at around 1:18 a.m. on Tuesday. The incident occurred at a residence on the 700 block of NM 333, where a woman reported that her husband, Sanchez, was armed with a handgun.
As deputies made their way to the scene, they were informed that gunshots had been fired. They arrived approximately seven minutes after the initial report and encountered Sanchez, who was non-compliant. He was subdued and arrested after authorities deployed a Taser.
According to ABQ Raw, Sanchez emerged from the residence without clothing, shouting, “I killed her. She’s a lawyer and I killed this b—,” as stated in the criminal complaint.
A 4-year-old male child was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, who was identified as an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial DA’s Office, and her 1-year-old son were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. The mother and son were both in critical condition at the time.
Sheriff John Allen said the aftermath of the shooting was “one of the most horrific scenes our deputies and first responders will ever walk into.”
Allen also described the harrowing 911 call during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
“I would say this is probably the most difficult 911 call that I ever heard in my career,” he told reporters. “It’s pretty difficult to listen to and hear people, people suffering and people in the process of dying. But I will tell you this, this doesn’t come out a lot.”
Throughout the 911 call, Sanchez can reportedly be heard yelling the following at his wife:
- “Why aren’t you dead?”
- “I’m gonna die.”
- “How is the baby still alive?” “You should be dead!”
- “I’m in the Marine Corps, I’m f—ing insane. Kill me.”
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that Sanchez was also recorded shouting, “What are you going to do? I just killed the baby,” and “They’re dead; you have to kill me. I am a murderer.”
Though critically injured, the victim was reportedly able to tell authorities that she was asleep in bed when Sanchez woke her up, accusing her of cheating on him and complaining about their lack of sex before he started shooting.
The sheriff said Sanchez has no criminal record and there are no records of deputies responding to any domestic violence incidents at the home.
The district attorney’s office released the following statement:
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, with deep sadness, is trying to cope with the tragedy involving a member of our staff and her two children. This heartbreaking situation has profoundly affected our entire office. While our team confronts difficult and emotional circumstances in the course of our daily work, we are, first and foremost, human. News of this magnitude impacts us not only as professionals but as colleagues, friends, and members of a caring community. Our colleague is a dedicated and respected member of our team. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with her, her children, and all of their loved ones.
It was not immediately clear whether Sanchez was the biological father or stepfather to the two children.
Sanchez is currently being held at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing Feb. 25.