Albuquerque, NM — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating a double homicide that left two men dead inside a home late Friday night. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 10:27 p.m. near the 1400 block of Entrada Bonita SW.
When authorities arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds dead inside the residence. According to BCSO, three adults and two children were also inside the home at the time of the shooting. The adults were detained for questioning, and the children were safely removed from the scene.
Arrest Made Following Investigation
On Saturday, deputies arrested Alexis Hernandez, who reportedly told investigators that he was a former Marine. Hernandez claimed he personally knew the victims and believed one of them had been stalking him.
The details of the case were shared by deputies and confirmed in a criminal complaint obtained by KRQE News.
“Hernandez stated he received an encrypted message in a cockroach telling him he needed to kill one of the victims,” the complaint read.
Investigators say the situation escalated after Hernandez was taken to the back of the home by the victims. At that point, according to the complaint, he opened fire and killed both men.
Scene Description and Initial Response
Deputies described the incident as chaotic when they arrived, with multiple people still inside the residence. The area around Entrada Bonita SW remained blocked off for hours as homicide detectives processed evidence.
Neighbors reported hearing a series of gunshots followed by shouting. One resident told responding deputies that the area had been generally quiet in recent months, making the sudden burst of violence deeply unsettling for local families.
Background and Alleged Motive
While investigators have not confirmed a clear motive, Hernandez allegedly told deputies that he believed one of the victims was following or monitoring him. His statements, however, contained unusual claims about receiving encrypted messages, which authorities are still investigating for credibility.
According to BCSO, Hernandez’s military background and access to firearms are also part of the ongoing review. The department is working to determine whether the weapons used in the shooting were legally owned.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Hernandez is now facing two counts of open murder. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, pending family notification.
BCSO confirmed that the case remains under active investigation as detectives work to verify the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. More details, including forensic evidence and possible mental health evaluations, are expected to surface in the coming days.
“Our investigators are still piecing together the full context,” a BCSO spokesperson said. “This was a targeted incident and not believed to be random.”
Community Shock and Ongoing Inquiry
Residents of the southwest Albuquerque neighborhood say they are stunned by the killings. The normally quiet community is now grappling with the aftermath of the violent confrontation.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
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