WILDER -- The Canyon County sheriff is urging a Wilder man accused of shooting and killing his wife Thursday night to turn himself in to authorities.
Erasmo Alcala Diaz, 51, is accused of shooting his 39-year-old wife, Amparo Godinez Sanchez, just after 11 p.m. at the couples home in the 29000 block of Red Top Road.
When officers from Wilder Police Department and Parma Police Department arrived at the home, Diaz was gone and the woman was gravely injured. The officers attempted life-saving measures, but she did not survive.
Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue said at a Friday press conference the suspect was considered armed and dangerous: Investigators believe he is still carrying the handgun used to fatally shoot his wife.
Watch the full news conference:
Donahue said Diaz is likely still in the general region: His car was found abandoned in Adrian, Oregon by Malheur County Sheriff's deputies several hours after the shooting. The sheriff warned that anyone who helps Diaz get away or hide from authorities could face charges.
"Now is not the time to be helping this subject: Whether he's friend or family, he needs to be held accountable," he said. "The best thing for Mr. Diaz is to turn himself in now before the situation gets any worse."
Diaz was arrested for domestic violence and aggravated assault involving the same woman in 2008. Those charges were pleaded down to misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace, according to Donahue.
The couple's children - one minor and one older teenager - were in the home when the woman was shot. Both are safe, Donahue said.
The sheriff said multiple agencies were working around the clock to find Diaz and bring him to justice.
"We are very, very busy interviewing people who have had contact with him since the incident and we are following up every lead that has come into our office as well," he said.
Anyone with information on Diaz's whereabouts is urged to call the Canyon County Sheriff's Office at 454-7531 or Crime Stoppers.
