New Mexico Man Accused of Killing Two Men Claims a Cockroach Told Him to Do It, Deputies Say

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – A disturbing double homicide case has left investigators and residents stunned after the suspect allegedly claimed that a cockroach told him to commit the killings. Deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Alexis Hernandez following a fatal shooting late Thursday night, where two men were found dead inside a home.

According to investigators, deputies were dispatched to a residence around 10:27 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they discovered two adult men dead from apparent gunshot wounds, along with three other adults and two young children inside the home.

Suspect’s Bizarre Explanation

During questioning, Hernandez allegedly confessed to the killings but offered a bizarre explanation for his actions. According to a probable cause affidavit, Hernandez told deputies that one of the victims — who owned the property — had been “stalking” him and had placed cameras in the lights of the house.

He further claimed he had been “hearing creepy voices coming from the vents” and receiving “signs” that he needed to kill the property owner before the owner killed him.

But perhaps most alarming, Hernandez reportedly told investigators he received “an encrypted message in a cockroach” instructing him to carry out the shooting. He stated that the insect itself had communicated that he needed to “end” the property owner.

Deputies noted that Hernandez mentioned the property owner “did not like cockroaches,” implying that the alleged “message” came as a symbolic warning.

Victims and Scene Details

Authorities confirmed that Hernandez knew both victims prior to the incident and that one was a longtime acquaintance he had considered a friend. The relationship had recently deteriorated, with Hernandez claiming he believed the man had been following him and tampering with his environment in the days leading up to the shooting.

Officials did not release the victims’ names pending family notification, but they confirmed that both men were found deceased inside the home and that no other injuries were reported among the surviving occupants.

Investigation and Mental Evaluation

Hernandez was taken into custody without further incident and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Investigators have not yet determined whether mental illness or drug use played a role in the suspect’s claims, though authorities say his statements during interrogation indicated paranoia and delusional thinking.

Detectives are working to confirm the timeline of the events and any prior interactions between Hernandez and the victims. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Case

The shocking nature of the case has sparked conversations online about mental health intervention and the need for early identification of individuals showing signs of psychosis. Community members in Bernalillo County expressed disbelief over the alleged motive, describing the situation as “tragic and senseless.”

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional forensic testing and psychological evaluations will be conducted to assess Hernandez’s mental state at the time of the murders.

Anyone with additional information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office directly.

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