Teenage Boy Arrested in New Mexico for Fatal Shootings of Four Family Members, According to Police

BELEN, N.M.—Authorities announced on Sunday that a 16-year-old boy has been apprehended in relation to the deaths of four family members in a remote area of New Mexico.

According to State Police, the victims were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds at their home in Valencia County early Saturday morning.

The teenager’s identity is being withheld by The Associated Press as he is a minor.

Police spokesperson Ray Wilson noted that the suspect was heavily intoxicated at the scene and was subsequently taken to a hospital for detoxification.

Once released from the hospital, the teen is expected to be booked into a juvenile detention facility on four open counts of murder. Wilson mentioned that the medical examiner’s office is still in the process of identifying the victims.

Authorities reported that the boy made a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, allegedly confessing to a dispatcher that he had killed his entire family.

When deputies from the county arrived at the location, they reported that the suspect exited the home with his hands raised and surrendered without any issues.

Deputies discovered four deceased individuals inside the residence, along with a handgun situated on the kitchen table.

Wilson stated that the case has been transferred to the State Police for further investigation into the quadruple homicide by the county sheriff’s office.