Recently Divorced Couple Found Dead In Driveway

"BANDERA, TX — A Bandera couple died this weekend in what investigators are describing as a murder-suicide. A 49-year old male, apparently shot his ex-wife, 39, before turning the gun on himself. Their names are being withheld.

"According to Captain Shane Merritt, the call to authorities came in from two people who were driving by the gate entrance to the couple's home in the 3000 block of FM 3240 on Sunday. Merritt said the passersby reported the vehicles were parked suspiciously inside the gate. Responding deputies discovered the bodies in the driveway.

"`They found one deceased male and one deceased female, both with gunshot wounds to the head,` Merritt said.

"Based on evidence, investigators believe the male used a .22 caliber rifle to kill his ex-wife, and then shot himself. Merritt said the case is pending. Autopsy reports have been ordered on both victims.

"The couple, who were married for eight years, finalized their divorce three weeks ago, according to reports, but still lived together. The woman's youngest child, 11, was at a neighbor's house when the shooting occurred. He was released to his maternal aunt. No other family member was injured.

"Police records for the apparent shooter include an Oct. 7 arrest by the Bandera Marshal's Office for possession of controlled substance and a Bexar County warrant for child support. He was also arrested in 2005 for public intoxication and a Bexar County warrant.

"Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call to the couple's home in May, but no assault was reported and no arrests were made."

From The Bandera Bulletin...