Megan Runnels Death and Obituary – The Hobbs, New Mexico community is reeling after a tragic early-morning incident that claimed the lives of two people and left a child traumatized but physically unharmed. Authorities continue to investigate the disturbing sequence of events that unfolded on East Copper Street, where a shooting and house fire led to the deaths of Antwain Bates and Megan Runnels.
Hobbs Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 1 a.m. on January 10. According to official reports, the call came from a child whose terrified screams alerted dispatchers to an emergency inside a residence in the 400 block of East Copper Street. When officers arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames and Antwain Bates, 46, outside suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency medical efforts, Bates was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Inside the burning residence, officers discovered 30-year-old Megan Runnels with severe burn injuries. She was immediately airlifted to a specialized medical facility for critical care. Despite intensive treatment, Runnels succumbed to her injuries two days later, on January 12. Authorities later confirmed that the child who placed the emergency call was not physically injured.
Dispatch records and preliminary investigative findings indicate that Runnels had been intentionally set on fire. This chilling revelation has intensified the investigation, with Hobbs Police confirming that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active review. No additional suspects or motives have yet been publicly disclosed, as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
Family members have begun to share painful details of Runnels’ condition and personal life. Her brother, Ryan Stephens, told local media that Megan suffered burns over approximately 98 percent of her body. He also shared that she leaves behind two young sons, ages nine and five, who now face life without their mother. Stephens stated that Runnels and Bates were married but had experienced marital difficulties. Friends and acquaintances have alleged a history of domestic violence within the relationship, though investigators have not yet confirmed whether this played a direct role in the incident.
Those who knew Megan Runnels have remembered her as a loving and devoted mother who worked hard to overcome personal struggles. Friends described her as resilient, caring, and fiercely protective of her children. Her death has left family members and community residents in shock, mourning the sudden and violent loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
In a public statement, the Hobbs Police Department expressed gratitude to first responders and partner agencies for their assistance during the emergency. Authorities also asked the public to keep the affected family members, especially the surviving child and Runnels’ two sons, in their thoughts during this unimaginably difficult time.
As investigators continue to examine evidence and interview witnesses, the Hobbs community awaits answers. For now, grief and concern linger over a case that has shaken the city and highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and crisis situations behind closed doors.
