Desirae Lussow, 36, was shot and later died of her injuries after an April 3, 2024 domestic violence incident in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. According to reports, the shooting occurred during a family car ride when her husband, Pablo Padilla, allegedly pulled over, took an AR-15 rifle from beside the driver’s seat, and shot Lussow in the back of the head as their three children — ages 3 years, 15 months and 15 years — were in the vehicle. Lussow was taken to Sandoval Regional Medical Center and later transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds.

Padilla, 35, was arrested and booked into the Sandoval County Detention Center on an open count of murder plus reckless driving and drug-related charges; methamphetamine was reportedly found on him at arrest. Court records cited in reports show Padilla faced prior drug charges from summer 2023 and a 2021 child abuse charge that was dismissed when an officer did not appear in court. The district attorney’s office said it would seek Padilla’s continued detention, and funeral services for Lussow were set for April 25, 2024, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

If anyone knew Desirae or witnessed events related to this case, please share information with investigators.