Las Cruces Police make arrest in one double homicide, seek suspect in another

The Las Cruces Police Department continue to investigate two unrelated double homicides that took place on Sunday.

On June 24, investigators named the alleged victims of each crime.

Here's what we know.

LCPD makes arrest for double homicide on Wofford Drive

Luis Noyola, 46, was arrested on Sunday, June 23, 2024, and charged with two felony counts of first-degree murder.

He is accused of killing his father, 88-year-old Francisco Noyola, and brother, 51-year-old Lucio Noyola.

According to police, Luis Loyola used a hammer to kill his father and brother and then tried to clean the crime scene. Luis Noyola is also charged with two counts of tampering with evidence.

According to police, Noyola's sister called police around 11 a.m. and asked for a welfare check at the home on the 1100 block of Wofford Drive. Police arrived to find two men dead inside.

According to police, Luis Noyola acknowledged his involvement in the deaths of his father and brother.

Court documents show that Noyola denied his mother and sister entry to the home while he attempted to clean up following the crime and even attempted to convince others to assist him with the cleaning.

Law enforcement found a hammer near a sink, along with trash bags with foam and blood throughout the home. Noyola allegedly was in possession of his brother's wallet, and police said they discovered latex gloves on his person, according to court documents.

Police seek suspect for East Mesa double-homicide

Police continue to investigate the double homicide that took place around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Avenida del Sol and Cortez Drive. Police arrived to find 26-year-old Jonathan Pena and his sister, 23-year-old Jacinya Pena shot inside a vehicle. Jonathan Pena was pronounced dead on scene. Jacinya Pena was transported to a local hospital where she died of the injuries. A 15-year-old girl, seated in the backseat of the vehicle, was struck by shrapnel and received relatively minor injuries. The minor's name was not made public by investigators. Anyone with information on who may be responsible for the deaths of Jonathan Pena and Jacinya Pena is asked to call police at 575-526-0795.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: LCPD make arrest in one double homicide, seek suspect in another