New Mexico State Police investigate 3 deaths where father apparently killed sons, then himself

NM Police: 3 dead after father shoots sons

LA PUEBLA, N.M. — New Mexico State Police are investigating the deaths of two boys and an adult near Espanola in an apparent murder and suicide.

State Police Lt. Eric Garcia said Monday that two boys — ages 12 and 10 — were apparently shot with a handgun by their father, who then took his own life.

The man is identified as 44-year-old Melvin Martinez.

Garcia says authorities were alerted at 2 p.m. by a family member.

State Police are continuing to investigate and had no other details about the killings in the community of La Puebla just east of Espanola. Garcia says investigators are talking to relatives and neighbors to gather more information.

(This version CORRECTS the two boys’ ages.)