Man Indicted for Killing Family and Dog in Brutal New Mexico Murders

A 24-year-old New Mexico man accused of slaughtering his parents, teenage sister, and the family dog has been formally indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges, marking a significant step forward in one of the state’s most shocking recent homicide cases.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced on Thursday that Adlai Mestre faces three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of tampering with evidence, and one count of animal cruelty for the killings, which occurred on October 13, 2024, in Tijeras, a small community about 15 miles east of Albuquerque.

According to investigators, Mestre allegedly used his mother’s legally registered handgun to fatally shoot his family members: 51-year-old Bertha Mestre, his mother; 46-year-old Raymundo Mestre, his father; and 17-year-old Brielle Mestre, his sister. The family’s dog was also shot multiple times. Authorities further allege that the victims were bludgeoned with a meat tenderizer, adding a grim layer of brutality to the attack.

“This was a horrific crime scene, one of the most brutal acts of violence we’ve encountered,” Bregman said in a press briefing five days after the murders.

Dramatic Police Encounter

Body camera footage released by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office captured the tense and bizarre moments when deputies arrived at the Mestre home. As deputies approached the residence, they called out, “Sheriff’s office,” prompting a man to approach the front door.

“How are you doing, sir?” a deputy asked.

“My family rushed me,” Mestre immediately replied.

“Rushed you where?”

“In my room,” Mestre responded.

When pressed for clarification, Mestre alleged that his family had attacked him with a knife. The conversation escalated quickly as a deputy asked whether he had any weapons. Mestre confirmed he did, reaching into his pocket before deputies stopped him and placed him in handcuffs. A search revealed he was carrying a handgun with a loaded magazine.

“I killed them,” Mestre confessed on camera a short time later. “However, I found their bodies and their wounds were healed. You want me to show you?”

Law enforcement sources told local media that Mestre’s statements became increasingly incoherent. He reportedly spoke of “seismic waves,” claimed to have shot at cell towers, and mentioned thermal imaging inside his home.

Gruesome Crime Scene

Deputies initially responded to the home after a 911 call from the family’s landlord, who reported hearing gunshots and was unable to reach the family afterward. Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered a grisly scene. Court documents indicate there were blood transfer patterns on the floors consistent with bodies being dragged. Investigators also found evidence of attempted cleanup, including mopping marks.

A bloody knife and a meat tenderizer were discovered near the front door. Mestre himself reportedly had blood on his hands, shirt, and shoes at the time of his arrest.

Authorities believe the sequence of violence began when Mestre shot his father in the living room. As his mother descended the stairs, she, too, was fatally shot. Investigators remain uncertain exactly when Brielle, Mestre’s teenage sister, was killed.

Detectives also said Mestre referred to the family dog as “ravenous” while attempting to explain why he killed the animal.

Court documents revealed that after the killings, Mestre allegedly tried to drag the bodies outside the home and began cleaning the interior when deputies arrived and interrupted his efforts. During his initial police interview, Mestre reportedly confessed, stating: “I killed them and was going to bury them.”

Suspect’s Behavior Raises Questions

After his arrest, Mestre was transported to a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office substation, where his erratic behavior continued. Authorities reported that Mestre kicked a hole through the wall of the interview room and attempted to escape, though he was quickly subdued.

At the substation, Mestre wrote cryptic notes on an officer’s tablet, referencing seismic events and bizarre conspiracies. The content of those writings remains under investigation.

Despite his rambling claims of being attacked by his family, prosecutors allege Mestre acted deliberately and with premeditation. The grand jury indictment indicates that prosecutors will pursue first-degree murder charges, which could carry the possibility of life in prison without parole if he’s convicted.

Community in Shock

The violent deaths have left the small community of Tijeras in mourning and disbelief. Neighbors described the Mestres as quiet and friendly, with no prior indications of domestic conflict or violence.

“This is just devastating,” one neighbor told Albuquerque’s KOAT-TV. “We never imagined something like this could happen here.”

District Attorney Bregman acknowledged the profound impact the case has had on the community, promising a vigorous prosecution.

“This family deserves justice,” Bregman said. “We will do everything in our power to hold the person responsible accountable for these unimaginable crimes.”

As of now, Adlai Mestre remains in custody. His defense attorney has not publicly commented on the charges or provided details on a potential defense strategy. His next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks.