KAFB captain in drug probe kills self

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Kirtland Air Force Base officials are investigating the circumstances that led up to a captain and military dentist killing himself Monday.

An investigator told KRQE News 13 the officer, identified as Capt. Dave A. Hopkins, 28, shot himself on a mesa in a Ventana Ranch neighborhood in northwest Albuquerque. A person walking their dog found the man shot in the head.

News 13 has learned Hopkins' girlfriend found his suicide note at 11:30 a.m. The officer bought a gun an hour later, and he was found dead at 5:30 p.m.

He was propped up against a wall overlooking Albuquerque.

A neighbor who shares that wall said he didn't hear the shooting. Even if he did, he said he probably would have thought it was a firecracker.

An investigator said Kirtland officials questioned the dentist about a month ago about thefts of prescription drugs. He's accused of using painkillers for himself and giving them to others across the country.

News 13 has learned he tried to kill himself then after he was first approached about the accusations.

A Kirtland spokesperson said Hopkins served in the 377th Dental Squadron. He was on active duty and had been in the military for three years. He's been based at Kirtland since 2007.

The spokesperson would not comment on anything else.