Detectives identify couple killed in murder suicide

The man and woman found dead inside their home in the 2300 block of Mesilla Hills Drive Monday morning have been identified as 77-year-old Everts Moulton and 78-year-old Suzanne New, sheriff’s office officials said Tuesday.

Detectives with the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office said the couple died from apparent gunshot wounds to the head.

An initial investigation suggested Moulton shot New and their dog before shooting himself, officials added.

Investigators said New’s daughter had been talking with her mother on the phone Sunday. New told her daughter Moulton talked of harming himself, and appeared to show signs of dementia.

New’s daughter, who lives in California, drove to Las Cruces to check on her mother. When she arrived at the home, she discovered the bodies and called 911, investigators said.

Detectives are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.

Both bodies have been taken to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner for autopsy.