Dad who murdered two sons had history of domestic violence, mental issues--but apparently had visitation rights anyway (La Puebla, New Mexico)

We've posted on this case before. Now we find out that dad MELVIN MARTINEZ, who murdered his two young sons, is basically a classic textbook abuser who just had to go "all the way." Dad had a history of domestic violence and his ex-wife had "concern over his anger." Plus we have all the ubiquitous "depression" issues--not to mention the obsessive-compulsive issues--which explains his suicidal ideation, but not the murder of two little boys. It was obviously enough for the mom to file for an order of protection at some point, but of course even a dad with this history--dicey at best--appears to have been granted child visitation rights. And though this article doesn't spell it out, the children must have been murdered during Daddy's visitation time, if the divorce was in 2004.

Mom's brother has an interesting comment regarding how the boys were "always happy and joyous to be with their mother." Is that a guarded and diplomatic way of saying they weren't so happy and joyous around their father? Based on what is said here, I can't imagine Daddy would have been very fun to be around. Too bad the people who forced these little boys into visitation with this depressed, violent, angry, obsessive-compulsive child killer won't be held responsible. They never are. Still, it would be nice to see the names of the idiots behind this. Why is it that they never get it--or don't care? If the guy is not safe around Mom, he's not safe around her children.

Hat tip to Annie.

http://www.koat.com/news/23999517/detail.html

Past Of Father In Murder-Suicide Uncovered
Ex-Wife Filed Order Of Protection From Domestic Abuse
POSTED: 8:38 pm MDT June 22, 2010
UPDATED: 9:26 pm MDT June 22, 2010

LA PUEBLA, N.M. -- Family members are shocked and looking for answers after Melvin Martinez, of La Puebla, shot and killed his two children and then turned the gun on himself.

Action 7 News uncovered Martinez's divorce papers and found several issues that could have been plaguing the 44-year-old father.

Martinez filed for divorce in 2004, but roughly a year later the mother of his children, Paula Martinez, filed for a order of protection from domestic abuse.

No incidents of violence were reported, but Paula Martinez described Melvin as depressed and suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. She also described several incidents in which she showed concern over his anger.

According to Paula Martinez's brother, Harry Salazar, Melvin's depression was well known in the family.

"Melvin had depression issues that he has been dealing with for years," said Salazar.

He also said despite Melvin's issues, no one thought he was capable of taking the life of his children.

"We want to remember their smiling faces. They were always happy and joyous to be with their mother," Salazar said.

Family members made funeral preparations on Tuesday for Derek and Devin Martinez.

A fund has been set up to help cover the cost of the funerals under the boys' name at Valley National Bank.