Triple homicide at Sam Donaldson's ranch

Police in New Mexico are investigating an apparent triple homicide at the ranch of ABC news correspondent Sam Donaldson.

Sam Donaldson

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department says the bodies of a man and two women were discovered yesterday on the remote property in the south-central part of the state between Roswell and Ruidoso.

"My wife Jan and I are shocked by the apparent triple homicide that took place on our ranch in Hondo, New Mexico, sometime over the Fourth of July weekend while we were away in Santa Fe," Donaldson said in a statement, according to ABC News. "We understand the investigation is continuing, and we have been asked by authorities not to comment further at this time."

State police say they were first called last night, reports KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, and they're now assisting local sheriff's investigators.

Crime tape marks part of scene at Sam Donaldson's ranch (photo: KOB-TV)

Sheriff Tom Sullivan says Donaldson called authorities after going to the house of his ranch manager and found an "obvious crime scene."

Upon searching the area, detectives found the bodies in a shallow grave. Their identities are being withheld until relatives are notified.

Donaldson and his wife are not suspects, said the sheriff.

The veteran newsman is a native of El Paso, Texas, and his father reportedly bought farmland in New Mexico in 1910.