On June 7, 2018, 43-year-old Elizabeth Barraza was tragically killed in Deming, New Mexico. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at a residence in the 1000 block of East Olive Street. Deming police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:54 a.m. and discovered three individuals with fatal gunshot wounds: Elizabeth Barraza, 43-year-old Manuel Cruz, and 67-year-old Hector Barraza.
Investigations revealed that Hector Barraza shot and killed Elizabeth Barraza and Manuel Cruz before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide. Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute, possibly involving former partners. Deming Police Chief Bobby Orosco stated, 'We don't believe there are any outside suspects involved in this case, but we are making sure and covering every base possible.'
Elizabeth Barraza's death was part of a tragic event that shocked the Deming community. The double murder-suicide highlighted the devastating impact of domestic disputes and underscored the importance of addressing such issues within the community. Local authorities continue to encourage individuals experiencing domestic conflicts to seek assistance, emphasizing that support is available to prevent such tragedies.