NEWTOWN, Conn. – Four family members were fatally shot early Saturday morning at their home in Belen, New Mexico by an alleged 16-year-old shooter that was arrested at the scene. Law enforcement stated that the suspect was a relative who called 911 in the early morning hours and told a dispatcher they had killed their entire family.
The victims include two teens ages 14 and 16, and two adults ages 35 and 42. Police have stated that a handgun was recovered from the kitchen table. At this time, a motive has not been disclosed.
In response, Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“A family has been taken by senseless gun violence in this horrifying tragedy. Our hearts are with their surviving loved ones who now bear the pain of this profound loss, and with the community of Belen as it starts to process the devastation of this shocking crime. No family nor community should ever experience this kind of unspeakable trauma.”
“Prevention is possible and necessary. Securing firearms safely away from access by underage and unauthorized users is a crucial first step. In most cases before acts of violence take place, there are often warning signs that signal that an individual is in crisis. Recognizing these warning signs and speaking up to get help are paramount to prevention.”
“Investigation into the social media use of the shooter can help us better understand what types of violent content this young person may have been exposed to and what they were experiencing in their life that could have led to this terrible event. We must work together to protect our families and communities from gun violence.”
For more information about the warning signs of violence and proven violence prevention programs and policies, please visit sandyhookpromise.org.
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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Media Contact:
Nick Dmitrovich | [email protected] | 203-304-9780 Ext. 279