Slaying suspect's ex-wife found dead

The ex-wife of slaying suspect Eric Valdez was found dead about 12:36 p.m. Tuesday at her home in the 200 block of Raven Drive, according to Clovis Police Chief Steve Sanders.

Sanders said Carol Ann Molina, 39, appeared to have died of natural causes and investigators don’t believe foul play was involved. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator is conducting an autopsy and toxicology tests, he said.

Molina and Valdez were divorced in March, according to the website nmcourts.com.

Valdez is charged with the July 7 first-degree murder of Jose Barrera over what investigators characterized as a conflict involving Valdez's daughter from another relationship. Police said Valdez admitted shooting Barrera in the head.