Deputies investigate possible couple murder-suicide in Prosser vineyard

An estranged couple is believed to have died in a murder-suicide shooting at a vineyard off North Henzerling Road in Prosser.

The Benton County Sheriff's Deputies say the 21-year-old son called deputies Thursday night after finding his mother, shot dead, and his father suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies say while 46-year-old Heriberto Martinez-Sanchez was unconscious, he was still breathing and rushed to the hospital, but later died Friday afternoon. A handgun was found at the vineyard with the couple.

An autopsy for 39-year-old Teresa Meraz-Cisneros was completed Friday, but no autopsy is planned for Heriberto.

Deputies say there was a protection order served on Heriberto in July of 2017, out of Yakima County, that prevented him from contacting Teresa.  The protection order also had a Brady indicator, which prohibited Heriberto from possessing or purchasing a firearm which was in effect through July of 2047.

Both were living at separate locations, with Teresa living in Sunnyside with family and Heriberto living in Mabton.

The family of Teresa and Heriberto consists of six children, ranging from ages 6 to 23, with some of the family living outside of the area.