Who Shot Who? Confusion Surrounds Texas Murder/Suicide

"SAN ANTONIO, TX — An argument between a father and son Saturday morning on the Northwest Side turned into an apparent murder-suicide attempt.

"Preliminary evidence shows the father shot his son, then turned the gun on himself, police Sgt. Tonja Brandt said.

"Several other local news outlets reported the son shot the father, then shot himself, but the reason for the discrepancy was unclear Saturday night.

"Brandt said she was unsure what sparked the dispute.

"The medical examiner’s office identified the father as William Patterson, 69, and said he died at the scene.

"His son, in his 20s, was taken to University Hospital in critical condition, but there was no further information on his status as of late Saturday.

"The shooting occurred about 11:30 a.m. at the father’s home on 7731 Crooked Brook. Police said the mother was not home at the time.

"Neighbors said the family members tended to keep themselves, though some recalled a troubled relationship between Patterson and his three sons.

"Joe Hyatt, 66, who lives on the street, said he found the news unbelievable. He remembered Patterson often argued with his sons, but described the father as a Christian and a veteran who went to church on Sundays and knew how to tell a good joke.

"`He was not a violent person,` said Hyatt, who said he was friends with Patterson for more than 20 years. `He was humorous and fun to be around and he loved his family.`

"`Unfortunately, the world is filled with bad things,` he said. `Now all we can do is pray for the family.`"

From mySA...