Horrific Family Attack: 911 Call Captures Chaos

A New Mexico man allegedly executed a horrifying attack on his family while a 911 dispatcher listened helplessly, leaving a 4-year-old boy dead and forcing prosecutors to navigate a conflict of interest because the critically wounded mother is one of their own assistant district attorneys.

Story Highlights

Luis Sanchez, 41, allegedly shot his wife and two young sons after accusing her of infidelity and claiming he spoke to God about being evil
The victim, Paige Mowrer, is an assistant district attorney, forcing the New Mexico Department of Justice to take over prosecution due to conflict of interest
A 4-year-old boy died at the scene while his mother and 1-year-old brother cling to life in critical condition
Sanchez had no prior criminal history, shocking neighbors in the quiet East Mountains community who saw no warning signs

Domestic Violence Turns Deadly at Tijeras RV Park

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence call at Leisure Mountain Mobile Home and RV Park in Tijeras at approximately 1:18 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. The 911 call came from Paige Mowrer, reporting that her husband Luis Sanchez was armed and making threats. As deputies rushed to the scene, gunshots erupted over the open line. Dispatchers heard the horrifying sounds of violence unfolding in real time, including Sanchez allegedly asking, “How is the baby still alive? You should be dead.” Deputies arrived to find the 4-year-old deceased at the scene, while Mowrer and her 1-year-old son suffered critical gunshot wounds.

Suspect’s Disturbing Claims and Violent Rampage

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the violence began around midnight when Sanchez accused his wife of cheating. He reportedly told her he “had talked to God and he was an evil person” before obtaining a firearm and opening fire on his family. When deputies arrived at the mobile home, they found Sanchez naked and covered in blood. He refused to surrender peacefully and had to be subdued with a Taser before being taken into custody. Sheriff John Allen confirmed that Sanchez, despite the severity of the alleged crimes, had no prior criminal history. The suspect refused to speak with investigators and was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center facing charges of child abuse resulting in death, child abuse, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence.

Prosecutor Victim Creates Jurisdictional Complications

The case took an unusual turn when authorities confirmed that Paige Mowrer works as an assistant district attorney with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office. This professional connection created an immediate conflict of interest that prevented her own office from prosecuting her husband. The New Mexico Department of Justice quickly assumed control of the case, issuing a statement calling it “a horrific act of violence that has devastated a family and shaken the entire community.” District Attorney Sam Bregman released his own statement expressing the profound impact on his staff: “The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, with deep sadness, is trying to cope with the tragedy involving a member of our staff and her two children.” This situation underscores a troubling reality—even those who prosecute criminals for a living are not immune to becoming victims of domestic violence themselves.

Community Shocked by Violence in Quiet Neighborhood

Residents of the East Mountains community, located approximately six miles south of Interstate 40, expressed disbelief that such violence could erupt in their peaceful area. Neighbor Shanna Iversen told reporters she had seen the couple just the day before the shooting, observing them playing with neighbors and appearing completely normal. The RV park where the family lived was characterized as a quiet residential area where residents knew each other and felt safe. The lack of any warning signs highlights the hidden nature of domestic violence, which often escalates behind closed doors without neighbors or friends detecting the danger. Sheriff Allen noted there were no prior domestic violence calls or police interventions at the residence, making the sudden explosion of lethal violence all the more shocking to those who knew the family.

As Paige Mowrer and her surviving 1-year-old son fight for their lives in the hospital, the state has requested that Sanchez be held without bond until trial. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for February 25. Sheriff Allen indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues, suggesting prosecutors may pursue upgraded murder charges for the death of the 4-year-old boy. The New Mexico Department of Justice has vowed to pursue “full accountability” for what they described as “an alleged cowardly and brutal attack” on a defenseless family.