Teen Arrested for N.M. Shooting, Boy Charged With Murdering Own Family
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after shooting and killing his parents and three younger siblings in New Mexico on Saturday. Police took Nehemiah Griego into custody after someone called them at the behest of Griego and were left shocked by the crime scene.
"Initially responding deputies entered the home and found the five deceased inside the residence, so obviously it was a very gruesome scene," Lt. Sid Covington told CNN. "It's a large crime scene with a lot of physical evidence, and because there's an offender in custody, we're doing our best to be thorough and complete in gathering any potential evidence, and so we're going slowly, methodically, through the entire residence."
Police said that Pastor Gregory Griego, his wife Sara, and their children: Zephaniah, Jael and Angelina were all pronounced dead at their home in Albuquerque. Griego served as the chaplain for the Albuquerque Fire Department and was involved in prison ministries as well.
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No motive is known for the killing, nor is how he managed to get his hands on various weapons. Right now, Nehemiah is being held in a juvenile facility and will be charged with murder and child abuse resulting in death, both lesser offenses. Prosecutors could upgrade the charges, however, and seek to try him as an adult, given the brutality of the crime.
"The victims all had multiple gunshot wounds, and there appeared to be multiple weapons, including an assault type weapon," deputy Aaron Williamson told the Today News Gazette.
"Chaplain Griego was a dedicated professional that passionately served his fellow man and the firefighters of this community. His calming spirit and gentle nature will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg's extended family," fire Chief James Breen said in a statement to CNN.
"Our family is grieving this terrible tragedy. We appreciate the prayers and support we have received and request that the media honor our family's privacy during this difficult time," Greg's brother, Eric Griego, said in a public statement.
