On December 31, 2016, 39-year-old Bud Littleton of Roswell, New Mexico, was found deceased alongside his brother, 48-year-old Anthony Croci of Hope, just outside Roswell's city limits. Authorities responded to reports of a shooting and discovered Littleton dead at the scene from gunshot wounds, with Croci still alive but critically injured. Croci was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to what investigators determined was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Chaves County Sheriff's Office classified the incident as a murder-suicide, with Croci identified as the shooter.
The investigation revealed that the brothers were found near several vehicles, with Littleton inside one and Croci nearby. Witnesses had reported the shooting, prompting the swift response from law enforcement. While the exact motive remains unclear, the case was closed following the determination of murder-suicide, and no further arrests were made.
This tragic event contributed to the crime statistics of Roswell, a city that has experienced fluctuations in violent crime rates over the years. In 2016, Roswell reported an increase in violent crimes, including homicides, compared to previous years. The city's law enforcement agencies continue to address these challenges, striving to ensure the safety and security of its residents.
