TIJERAS, N.M. – Three members of a Tijeras family are dead and their loved one is charged with their murders.

It’s a case that goes beyond this gruesome scene deputies found in the East Mountains Sunday.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen says he hasn’t seen a case this tragic since he worked on the Nehemiah Griego case.

Just like in that case, a family member is once again accused of killing his family.

“Any time we have a death in the community no matter what the circumstances that’s someone’s family member, so it’s always difficult for the community our deputies and our personnel,” said Allen.

Allen is talking about the Tijeras family, allegedly murdered by a family member over the weekend.

Deputies arrested 24-year-old Adlai Mestre for allegedly shooting and killing his mom, dad, 17-year-old sister and even their family dog Sunday afternoon. 

At the time of the arrest, deputies say Mestre was talking about killing them and hearing seismic waves. 

It’s an ongoing investigation, and Allen says they are looking into what led up to this tragedy.

“From what we know thus far is we know the 60-day legislative session is coming up, and I’ll be completely honest, you all know how I am already. There’s a lot of concern in this case. We have to figure out something to make sure that our system is not failing our community,” Allen said. 

According to court documents, deputies found Mestre holding a loaded gun. 

Allen says the gun was legally purchased by Mestre’s mother. But Allen is raising the red flag, saying the Red Flag Law should’ve been enacted in this case. 

According to BCSO, Mestre has a history of being treated at a mental health hospital.

“It’s keeping our hands tied, and I am not saying the Red Flag Law would’ve prevented this triple homicide, but it would’ve at least given an indication for detectives to do follow up, to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to make sure a homicide or a suicide does not happen,” Allen said.

Allen says he’s hoping this case will make lawmakers listen to his concerns this January.

“The big question is why, the big question next is how can this prevented. Three, how do we move forward with this not happening again,” said Allen. 

This is an ongoing investigation. 

Mestre is facing several charges, including murder and tampering with evidence. He’s also facing charges of escaping police after he got out of an investigation room, and tried to run away.

He’s currently behind bars at the Bernalillo County jail.