Sunday, January 20, 2013

Albuquerque Shootings Kill Five



The bullet-ridden bodies of three adults and two children were found inside an Albuquerque, New Mexico, home late Saturday, January 19, 2013.

A teenage boy faces murder and other charges in the shooting deaths on the outskirts of Albuquerque.

Investigators were still combing over the home on the southwestern edge of the city where investigators found the victims Saturday night, said Deputy Aaron Williamson, a spokesman for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department. It was unclear whether the teenager now in custody is related to the victims, nor would Williamson disclose whether the victims -- who included two boys and a girl -- were related.

Williamson said each victim had been shot multiple times. Several guns were found inside the home, including a "military-style" rifle he said had been used in the crime.

The teen is being charged with two counts of murder and three counts of child abuse resulting in death, the sheriff's department said. He was arrested after being questioned at the sheriff's office and is likely to be arraigned on Tuesday, Williamson said.

Officials began offering their condolences for Greg Griego, a spiritual leader known for his work with firefighters and the 13 years he spent as a volunteer chaplain at the county jail.

"Chaplin Griego was a dedicated professional that passionately served his fellow man and the firefighters of this community," Fire Chief James Breen said in a statement. "His calming spirit and gentle nature will be greatly missed."

Jail Chief Ramon Rustin said Griego was instrumental in the creation of the Metropolitan Detention Center's chaplain program and worked to get inmates integrated back into the community.

Griego also was a former member of the pastoral staff at Calvary, a Christian church in Albuquerque. As part of his work there, he oversaw the Straight Street program for jail inmates.

The other victims' names and the suspect's identity have not been released Sunday afternoon.

A semi-automatic assault-type rifle, along with several other weapons, were recovered at the scene.

Thanks to Theo Paijmans for initial news tip.

3 comments:

LesleyinNM said...

From local weatherman, Steve Stucker's (KOB) facebook page:

I'm Torn on what to say about the shooting deaths of Greg Griego, his loving wife Sara, and 3 of their beautiful young children. One of their sons is the suspect, and reportedly has confessed. There are other details I just don't feel comfortable in sharing, out of respect for the family, and the legal process. I know a lot of you are wondering what happened & why. We may never know fully or completely. He was a friend, & This I DO know: Greg was an ex con and former Gangbanger who Completely turned his life around through his Faith in Jesus. Greg, with the full support & blessing of his wife and family, spent the rest of his life visiting Jails & Prisons, sharing his story and changing Lives through the Love of Christ. He became a Chaplain & Pastor, and worked tirelessly at MDC in what used to be called "The God Pod". He encouraged and mentored so many of us in the Jail Ministries over the years. I can't pretend to speak for him...but I KNOW he would have asked us to Forgive the one who did this awful thing, because he never thought it was too late to change a person's heart & mind. Greg knew he himself was imperfect, and I know he struggled with his faults (as we all do) over the years. I also know he never believed there was Any man beyond the redemption of Jesus. Please honor his memory & life's work, by showing Love, Compassion & Forgiveness to those who have done wrong & even horrible things. Let us all Fast & Pray, and examine our hearts towards those who commit crimes, have mental illness, and feel hopelessly alone. May our Great & Mighty God protect us all, and see us through this darkness.

Rob Sullivan said...

The New Mexico state flag is all yellow or gold with a red cross in the middle. The red cross is a symbol the native people of New Mexico used to represent the Sun. Another red sun/dawn. It may be a bit of a stretch to consider this related but I like to think that it was so obvious "they were waving a flag in my face".

Eugene said...

AL BOO QUEER KEY or the place where Route 66 crosses itself, ie the Sunshine Hotel.

See Ustream piece where AL BOO QUEER KEY made mention numerous times .. giraffe head cutting, head cuttings with OZ state of Kansas, and many other things that happened in this same time frame.