Melissa Martinez and Enoch Apodaca: Colorado couple identified in Jehovah’s Witness hall murder-suicide
This article contains distressing content that could be traumatic for some readers. Discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
THORNTON, COLORADO: On December 28, local authorities identified the married couple who was discovered dead inside a Jehovah's Witness hall in Colorado as 44-year-old Melissa Susanna Martinez and 46-year-old Enoch Noah Apodaca. Broomfield Counties and the Office of the Coroner identified the deceased as former congregants.
The pair were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide on Christmas day. In a press release, the coroner's office said that the couple's autopsy was conducted and their causes of death are under investigation, reports the New York Post.
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The congregation's former members died in a tragic incident where Apodaca shot himself after he gunned down his wife, stated the police in Thornton, around 10 miles north of Denver. Both husband and wife were found dead on Sunday at around 9.00 am at the Federal Heights Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, according to the New York Post.
MEAWW previously reported that three 'suspicious devices' were discovered by the authorities along with the couple and the incendiary devices were disarmed by the investigators of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Materials Unit.
Following information of a structure fire, firefighters were called to the crime scene and the suspicious devices were rendered safe. Investigators said that there is no active threat to the community and there were no additional suspects in the case. The police confirmed that no one else was injured in the incident.
Shocked at the horrifying murder-suicide on Christmas morning, the Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life at our Kingdom Hall in Thornton. We are cooperating with the authorities as they carry out their investigation into the event,” according to ABC 7 Denver.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others. We are praying for the families of all those affected,” the congregation added.