Albuquerque, New Mexico – Albuquerque was rocked by a tragic incident as Taylor Hagan, a dedicated police cadet, was fatally shot by her husband, Briton Hagan, who subsequently took his own life. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon at their residence, leaving an eight-year-old son orphaned on Thanksgiving.

Authorities reported that Taylor Hagan, 32, was in their apartment at the Olympus Encantada Apartments in northeast Albuquerque when she was shot by her husband, Briton Hagan, 41, who later turned the gun on himself in a murder-suicide.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of police cadet Taylor Hagan. Our prayers are with the family and friends during this time. Domestic violence tends to increase during the holidays. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233. pic.twitter.com/d2nDJT8p9S

— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) November 22, 2023

Taylor, an aspiring member of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), was still part of the police academy at the time of the tragic incident. The couple’s lifeless bodies were discovered before officials could arrive at the scene. A neighbor, upon hearing the shots, alerted the authorities, leading to the devastating discovery.

Chief Harold Medina of the Albuquerque Police Department expressed his condolences, honoring Taylor’s commitment to serving the community and ensuring its safety. Mayor Tim Keller also extended sympathies to Taylor’s family and emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs associated with domestic violence and abuse.

I am saddened to announce that one of our police cadets, Taylor Hagan, was the victim of an apparent murder-suicide last night. We deal with these tragedies often, but it hits home when someone in our family is a victim. My sincere condolences go out to her family and loved ones.

— APD Chief of Police (@ABQPoliceChief) November 22, 2023

In the wake of this tragedy, Maria Cahuenas, Director of New Mexico’s Domestic Violence Resource Center, highlighted the surge in domestic violence incidents during the holiday season. Cahuenas urged the community to remain vigilant and reach out for support, emphasizing the availability of resources and services to aid victims during these challenging times.

The loss of Taylor Hagan, a promising police cadet, has deeply saddened the APD and the community at large. As investigations into this distressing incident continue, authorities underscore the critical need for awareness and support in combating domestic violence.

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