Police identify two killed in Alamo Street apartment in Las Cruces
This article contains descriptions of suicide and domestic violence. Help is available for those thinking of suicide by calling 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. La Casa offers emergency shelter via walk-in between 8:30 a.m. and 5;30 p.m. or by calling 575-526-9513.
LAS CRUCES – New Mexico State Police identified the two people killed at an apartment complex days after the police discovered the bodies.
Emilia Rueda, 20, and Carlos Esparza, 19, were killed at the complex in what NMSP suspects to be a murder-suicide, according to NMSP spokesperson Ray Wilson.
“The NMSP Investigations Bureau continues to gather facts related to this investigation,” Wilson said over email. “At this point, it appears likely that this is a murder-suicide. A definitive determination will be made once all facts are collected and analyzed.”
The update comes days after police discovered Rueda and Esparza dead at an apartment complex on the 1400 block of Alamo Street on Sept. 19. Court records indicate that Rueda and Esparza hailed from El Paso.
New Mexico State University spokesperson Justin Bannister confirmed that Rueda was a university student studying art.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Emilia. Our Aggie community grieves her tragic loss. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and all those who knew her,” NMSU Dean of Students Ann Goodman said in a statement.
According to a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral expenses, Rueda worked at The Paleta Bar, a Las Cruces restaurant.
Silvia King, listed as the GoFundMe page’s organizer, said that the family believed Esparza killed Rueda.
“Many of you may have questions as to what happened to our precious Emilia (Rueda) and to be honest we do not have all of the answers yet. What we do know is that she was murdered by her boyfriend in her apartment,” King wrote.
King went on to say that Rueda’s body was undergoing an autopsy. Once that process ended, they would begin funeral services.
“Emilia (Rueda) will forever live within us, her smile, her laugh, her zest for life, compassion for others is what made her one in a million."
The Sun-News has reached out to King but has not yet received a response for comment.
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Justin Garcia is a public safety reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He can be reached atJEGarcia@lcsun-news.com.