On December 5, 2016, a tragic incident occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico, resulting in the deaths of three young children: Ian Mathew Mascarenas, Olivia Renee Mascarenas, and Elijah 'Eli' Ray Mascarenas. The children, aged 9, 7, and 5 respectively, were the victims of a murder-suicide perpetrated by their father, Joshua Mascarenas.
Joshua Mascarenas, the father of the children, was identified as the suspect in this horrific event.
He was known to the family and the community, and the children were his own. Ian, the eldest, was a fourth-grader at Manzano Mesa Elementary School and was described as a brilliant student who excelled in math and reading. Olivia, the middle child, was in the first grade at the same school and was known for her responsible nature and artistic talents. Elijah, the youngest, was in kindergarten and was remembered for his generous spirit and his love for telling jokes and playing baseball.
The incident was a shock to the community, as the family was well-known and respected. The children were described as having 'a giving spirit' and their absence was deeply felt by their family, friends, and the community. The funeral service for the children was held on January 2, 2017, at the Believers Center of Albuquerque, with interment following at Fairview Memorial Park.
There were no arrests made in this case, as Joshua Mascarenas took his own life after killing his children. The event was classified as a murder-suicide, and it was not a case of an external suspect being apprehended or tried. The community came together to mourn the loss of these young lives and to support the grieving family members who were left behind.
