A 41-year-old man in New Mexico has been charged after allegedly shooting his wife and her two young children in what authorities described as one of the most horrific crime scenes they have encountered. Luis Sanchez was taken into custody by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and faces multiple felony charges, including intentional child abuse resulting in death and aggravated battery of a household member resulting in great bodily harm.
Deputies responded around 1:18 a.m. Tuesday to a home in the 700 block of NM 333 after receiving a 911 call from a woman who said her husband was armed with a handgun. While officers were en route, dispatchers learned that shots had been fired inside the residence. Authorities say Sanchez was arrested shortly after deputies arrived, following the deployment of a Taser.
Child Killed, Mother and Infant Critically Injured
Inside the home, deputies found a 4-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy’s mother, identified as an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and her 1-year-old son were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
Sheriff John Allen described the aftermath as one of the most disturbing scenes of his career. He also referenced the emotional impact of the 911 call, stating that it was among the most difficult he had ever heard. According to reports citing the criminal complaint, Sanchez allegedly made disturbing statements during the incident, including remarks indicating he had killed the child and urging officers to kill him.
Authorities said the injured mother was able to tell investigators that she had been asleep when Sanchez woke her, accused her of infidelity, and began shooting. Officials noted there were no prior domestic violence calls to the residence and that Sanchez reportedly has no criminal record.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
Sanchez is currently being held without bond at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing on Feb. 25.
The district attorney’s office released a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident, describing the wounded mother as a respected member of their team and emphasizing the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on staff. Authorities have not yet clarified whether Sanchez is the biological father of the children. The investigation remains ongoing.
