New Mexico man accused of fatally shooting wife, four daughters

A medical examiner will conduct autopsies to confirm the victims’ identities and cause of death. But police believe they are Villegas-Hernandez’s wife and the couple’s children, Wildermuth said. Investigators say the suspect and his 34-year-old wife share four daughters ages 14, 11, 7 and 3.

A New Mexico man is accused of fatally shooting his wife and four daughters in their family home and then fleeing in his car, authorities said Sunday.

A New Mexico man is accused of fatally shooting his wife and four daughters in their family home and then fleeing in his car, authorities said Sunday.(Shutterstock Image)

Juan David Villegas-Hernandez remained at large a day after the five victims were found dead, Roswell police said.

A relative who went to check on the family late Saturday discovered the bodies, police spokesman Todd Wildermuth said. Officers responded and found all five had suffered gunshot wounds.

A medical examiner will conduct autopsies to confirm the victims’ identities and cause of death. But police believe they are Villegas-Hernandez’s wife and the couple’s children, Wildermuth said. Investigators say the suspect and his 34-year-old wife share four daughters ages 14, 11, 7 and 3.

The shooting likely occurred earlier in the day, Wildermuth said.

Villegas-Hernandez may be driving a red, four-door Ford pickup with New Mexico license plate KJS479.