Police: 3 kids killed, mother critically injured in shooting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Critically wounded, an Albuquerque mother struggled in vain to pull her three children to safety after a gunman shot them during a confrontation inside the family’s home in what police described Tuesday as a violent and senseless act.
Police Chief Gorden Eden confirmed during a news conference Tuesday that the children, who ranged in age from 5 to 9, were killed and that the mother remained in critical but stable condition following Monday night’s encounter.
Eden said preliminary evidence suggests the family was attacked by George Daniel Wechsler, 45, who was believed to have had a brief relationship with the 36-year-old mother.
Investigators believe Wechsler forced his way into the home and waited for the family to arrive before shooting them. Police said Wechsler had asked to visit to give the children Christmas gifts but the mother told him no after he repeatedly called and sought to visit.