Answers remain few. Yet, the Hobbs Police Department (HPD) is steadfast in getting to the bottom of two separate deaths that occurred in the city on Sunday, June 12.
The police are also asking the public to come forward if they have any information to help with the investigations into these deaths. The two deaths appear to be unrelated, with one being the result of a gunshot wound.
Man Found In Field
According to a HPD press release of Tuesday, June 14, officers responded on June 12 “…to the area near the 3900 block of West Millen to a subject laying in a field near the roadway.”
Witnesses reported seeing the man as they were driving by. “[The witnesses] got out to check on him, and he appeared to be deceased.”
The HPD Criminal Investigation Division is further investigating the incident to identify the victim and learn the nature of his death.
About the identity of the man, area resident Brittany Briseno comments on Facebook, “There was a homeless man living out there in a tent. I’m wondering if it was him.” Donna Johnson adds, “This may be death of natural causes, but it’s a shame they have not identified him.”
By Thursday, June 16, Briseno and Johnson’s questions were answered. HPD provided an update identifying the man as “Daniel Forlines, 38, of Carlsbad, New Mexico,” states a KAMC KLBX news report. Next of kin have been notified, and HPD detectives are still investigating the nature of his death.
Melinda Heckard Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Chest
On Sunday, June 12, HPD, additionally, responded to an incident in the 1000 block of West Berry Drive. A woman had been shot in the chest. She is identified as Melinda Heckard, aged 55, of Hobbs.
Heckard was transported by Hobbs Fire Department EMS (Emergency Medical Services) to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. After receiving treatment at Covenant Health, Heckard was transferred to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas. According to a HPD press release of June 14, Heckard later died of her injuries at the hospital.
This incident is under investigation, and “no formal charges have been filed at this point.”
Anyone with information about either of these two incidents is asked to contact the HPD at (575) 397-9265 or Lea County Crime Stoppers at (575) 393-8005.
