In the quiet community of Sanders, Arizona, a tragedy unfolded that shattered the peace of a retired couple's life. Martha Sorenson, a 75-year-old White/Caucasian female, and her 81-year-old husband, Robert, were found deceased in their home on the evening of July 1, 2017. The discovery was made by deputies from the Apache County Sheriff's Office after concerned family members requested a welfare check, having been unable to reach the couple by phone.
Upon their arrival, deputies noticed a bedroom window that appeared to be damaged by gunfire, prompting them to force entry into the residence where they found the Sorensons, both victims of multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly pointed to a person of interest: 51-year-old Garry B. Wilckens, the boyfriend of the Sorensens' daughter, Susan. Investigators learned that on the day of the murders, there had been a domestic incident involving Wilckens and Susan on a local highway. Neighbors also reported seeing the two arguing outside the Sorensen home before hearing gunshots. With this information, a statewide manhunt was initiated for Wilckens, who was believed to have fled the area and might have been attempting to reach Mexico. He was considered armed and dangerous.
The search for Garry B. Wilckens came to an end on July 7, 2017, when he was apprehended in Mesa, Arizona. His capture brought a sense of relief to the Sorenson family and the Sanders community. Following his arrest, Wilckens was extradited to Apache County to face charges for the murders of Martha and Robert Sorenson. While the exact motive was not officially released by law enforcement, family members suspected that jealousy and possessiveness were contributing factors. Wilckens ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and received two concurrent 35-year prison sentences for his crimes.
