Double Homicide Investigation in Sanders by Apache County Sheriff's Office

Update, July 7, 2017: Suspect Garry B. Wilckens has been located and arrested in Mesa, AZ by the Mesa Police Department.

Sanders, Arizona — Saturday, July 1st, 2017 at about 7:54 p.m., Apache County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to a home in Sanders, Arizona, after receiving a request for a welfare check. Family members were concerned after several phone calls went unanswered to the elderly couple who resides at the home.

Deputies made force entry into the home after making observations and discovering a bedroom window appearing to be damaged by gunfire. Deputies discovered Robert Sorensen, age 81, and Martha Sorensen, age 75, deceased inside the home from apparent gunshot wounds.

Based on investigative leads and witness accounts, Garry B. Wilckens, age 51, has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation of Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen’s deaths. Garry Wilckens has reportedly fled the area. His last known whereabouts were Queen Creek, Arizona on July 2nd, 2017. Wilckens may be attempting to flee the United States into Mexico.

The Apache County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Garry Wilckens. If he is located, please contact local law enforcement or the Apache County Sheriff’s Office at the listed numbers. The Apache County Sheriff’s Office has reason to believe that there exists a likelihood of substantial harm to individuals or the public. Due to that potential danger, the Apache County Sheriff’s Office urges that no one approach Garry Wilckens as he may be armed and/or dangerous.

NAME:              Garry B. Wilckens

AGE:                 51

CLOTHING:     Blue and White Plaid Shirt

                          Blue Denim Jeans

VEHICLE:        UNKNOWN

RESIDENCE:   51 County Road N7016 SANDERS, AZ

The Apache County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about this case or the location of Mr. Wilckens to call local law enforcement or the Apache County Sheriff’s Office at (800) 352-1850 or (928) 337-4321.

CONTACT:  Roscoe Herrera, Commander

                       (928) 337-4321

                       E-mail: [email protected]    

The Arizona Department of Public Safety was asked by the Apache County Sheriff's Office to post this news release in order to increase the visibility of this case and therefore increase the chances of someone comming forward with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Wilckens.