According to officials, a municipal judge in New Mexico was tragically shot by her husband before he committed suicide.
Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies discovered the deaths of Diane Albert, 65, and Eric Pinkerton, 63, as well as numerous dogs and a cat inside their Village of Los Ranchos home on Friday, according to sheriff’s spokeswoman Jayme Fuller. She stated that Pinkerton reportedly shot and murdered everyone before committing suicide.
Albert was a municipal judge for the bordering Village of Los Ranchos and a former planning and zoning commissioner for the North Valley neighborhood. According to the Albuquerque Journal, she has also served as a Los Alamos County commissioner and president of the Bike Coalition of New Mexico.
Fuller stated that a friend of the couple phoned the sheriff’s office on Friday before 4 p.m. “after getting an alarming message from Pinkerton.” She alleged that in the message, Pinkerton indicated that he had killed his wife and pets and intended to commit himself.
After the incident, the Albuquerque Journal captured a photo of officers taking ducks and other animals from the residence.
Brian S. Colon, the state auditor, wrote on Facebook on Saturday that Albert had been his friend for decades, describing him as “a kind-hearted guy who always elevated myself and others.”
I cannot find the appropriate words to recognize my beloved friend, the wonderful doctor, public champion, and servant,…
Brian S. Colón posted on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
“Diane always smiled and wore her bicycle helmet when she visited our home. What a tragedy! “Colon authored. Rest in peace, knowing that you spread goodness far and wide.
Ann Simon, administrator of Los Ranchos, remarked, “We are heartbroken to learn of this needless murder.” “Diane Albert, our newly-elected municipal judge, was a lifelong Los Ranchos resident with a great mind and a kind personality. This cannot be overlooked on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.”
Joe Craig, president of Friends of Los Ranchos, expressed his disbelief to the Journal. He and Albert were neighbors who served on the planning and zoning committee together for numerous years.
Craig remarked, “She’s a lovely person.” I’ve never seen her to have a malicious bone in her body.
The nonprofit organization posted a Facebook tribute to Albert, describing her as an animal lover and avid cyclist.
The post states, “For many Los Ranchos residents, Judge Diane Albert was more than just their municipal judge.” In several ways, she embodied the essence of Los Ranchos.
Written by
Sunday, November 27th, 2022 Friends of Los Ranchos
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at info@nami.org for more information on mental health care resources and support.
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