New Mexico State Police investigate death of father, 2 sons in apparent murder-suicide

NM father, 2 sons die in apparent murder-suicide

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

State Police Lt. Eric Garcia says two boys — ages 12 and 10 — were apparently shot with a handgun by their father, who then killed himself. Investigators say it happened Sunday or early Monday in the small community of La Puebla, about 25 miles north of Santa Fe.

The man was identified as 44-year-old Melvin Martinez, who authorities say was a state Department of Transportation employee.

Garcia says a family member alerted authorities at 2 p.m. Monday. State police are talking to relatives and neighbors to gather more information.

Investigators say the bodies were found lying on the same bed. They have been transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque to determine an official cause of death.

Information from: KOB-TV, www.kob.com