Investigations began Sunday into what has being called a horrific crime scene when five people, including three children, were found dead at a residence outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A well-known pastor and four of his relatives were among the late victims of a shooting, according to CNN.

Lt. Sid Covington of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department said each of the victims had been shot multiple times with one of the weapons reported to be an assault rifle. Sheriff Dan Houston stated that a 15-year-old male teenager who "may be a family member" is being charged with two counts of murder and three counts of child abuse.

"Initially responding deputies entered the home and found five deceased inside the residence, so obviously it was a very gruesome scene," Covington told the news station. "It's a large crime scene with a lot of physical evidence, and because there's an offender in custody, we're doing our best to be thorough and complete in gathering any potential evidence, and so we're going slowly, methodically, through the entire residence."

Investigators said among the dead were a man, a woman and three grade-school-age children - a boy and two girls.

Although none of the names of the victims have been released, Greg Griego and his wife Sarah are the owners of the home where the shooting took place. Greg was the chaplain for the Albuquerque Fire Department and involved in seven prison ministries that took place.

"Chaplain Griego was a dedicated professional that passionately served his fellow man and the firefighters of this community. His calming spirit and gentle nature will be greatly missed," read a statement from Fire Chief James Breen. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg's extended family."

Greg used to be a pastor at the Calvary Church where the family regularly attended services, stated church member Brian Nixon.

Former state Sen. Eric Griego, who is the alleged victim's brother, issued the following statement:

"Our family is grieving this terrible tragedy. We appreciate the prayers and support we have received and request that the media honor our family's privacy during this difficult time."

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