A New Mexico man has been arrested in connection with a horrifying crime that shocked his family on Thanksgiving Day in 2022. Karlan Denio, 62, is facing charges of first-degree murder after allegedly killing, dismembering, and disemboweling his wife, Connie Denio, just hours before family members were expected to arrive for their Thanksgiving dinner.
The gruesome discovery was made by Karlan’s brother, Darin Denio, who had traveled to Albuquerque from out of town for the holiday. Upon arriving at the home for the traditional family gathering, Darin found the situation deeply unsettling. His calls to his brother and sister-in-law went unanswered, prompting concern. Unsure of what to do, Darin contacted his sister, Tami Pacheco, to inform her of the strange circumstances.
Tami Pacheco, alarmed by her brother’s report, immediately contacted the Albuquerque Police Department. According to a criminal complaint obtained by local news outlet KOAT, police dispatchers informed the family that they could not forcibly enter the home. Faced with this, Darin decided to pick up his sister and return to the house together.
Upon their return, the siblings managed to gain entry to the house through the garage after breaking a hinge on a door. What they found inside was beyond their worst fears. The siblings quickly called 911 again, this time with an urgent plea for police assistance.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Karlan Denio lying in bed, with the dismembered and disemboweled body of his wife, Connie, on the floor nearby. The scene in the bedroom was described as extremely gruesome, with officers noting the extent of the victim’s injuries.
Karlan Denio was immediately detained by the responding officers. He was found with self-inflicted cuts on his legs and neck and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of these injuries. While the motive behind the brutal killing is still under investigation, the shock and horror of the crime have left the family and the community reeling.
Connie Denio’s death has sent shockwaves through Albuquerque, particularly given the timing of the tragedy, which unfolded on what is traditionally a day of gratitude and togetherness. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the horrific crime.
