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 left a community in shock after a 41-year-old man allegedly shot his wife and her two young children, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old boy. The mother and her 1-year-old child remain in critical condition following the attack. The local sheriff described the scene as potentially “the most horrific” crime scene he has encountered in his career.
Luis Sanchez has been apprehended and faces several serious charges, including intentional child abuse resulting in death and aggravated battery causing severe injury to a household member, according to authorities.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a domestic violence call around 1:18 a.m. on Tuesday. The incident occurred at a home located in the 700 block of NM 333. The 911 call was made by a woman who informed the dispatcher that her husband, Sanchez, was armed with a gun.
While deputies were on their way to the scene, they were informed that shots had been fired. Upon arrival, approximately seven minutes after the initial report, deputies encountered Sanchez, who was not cooperative. He was swiftly arrested after a Taser was deployed.
According to a report by ABQ Raw, Sanchez emerged from the house unclothed, shouting, “I killed her. She’s a lawyer and I killed this b—,” as cited in the criminal complaint.
Tragically, the 4-year-old boy was declared dead at the scene. The mother, who is an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial DA’s Office, along with her 1-year-old son, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Both remain in critical condition.
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.
