SEWARD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a double murder at a southwest Kansas home have identified the victims as 57-year-old Valentin Rey and 50-year-old Rosalia Rey. They are the suspect Hector Rey's parents, according to the Liberal Police Department.
Just before 1 a.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire in the 900 block of Maple Street in Liberal, according to a media release.
Officers found Rosalia inside the door. She was unconscious. EMS transported her to Southwest Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Once the fire was extinguished, the fire department found Valentin who was also dead inside.
Just before 6a.m. Monday, law enforcement learned of a suspect in the crime later identified as 22-year-old Hector Jesus Rey. was driving a Kia Optima southbound on U.S. 83 ten miles north of Hamlin, Texas. According to police, the suspect was threatening "suicide by cop."
Officers conducted a "high risk felony stop" on the vehicle after it traveled south of the Hamlin city limits. Rey hesitated at first but finally exited the car and was taken into custody. He remains in the Jones County jail in connection with the death of his parents. Authorities have not released details on when Rey would be returned to Kansas or possible charges in the case.