Four Found Dead In Texas Home

"CROWLEY, TX — Crowley police say a woman and her two teenage daughters who were found dead in their home Sunday were victims of a murder/suicide.

"Samuel Morales, 36, was also found dead at the home the family shared on Kennedy Drive. Police suspect he killed the three others, but spared a 9-year-old boy, before turning the gun on himself, Crowley police Chief Luis Soler said Tuesday at a press conference.

"`The brave 9-year-old boy is doing the best as he can under these circumstances,` Soler said. `He’ll be all right. We’ll take care of him.`

"The victims, Xiomara Leon, 34, Linda Gonzalez, 18, and Yasmine Zavala, 13, were identified early Tuesday by the Tarrant County medical examiner’s office. The youngest victim was strangled, and Leon and Gonzalez were both shot repeatedly, the ME says.

"A 9-year-old boy found unharmed at the home called a relative who then called 911 to report that a man had committed suicide at the family’s home.

"Leon and Morales were in a romantic relationship for four years, but police did not know whether they were married. The 9-year-old boy, Gonzalez and Zavala were Leon’s children. Leon and Morales did not have any children together. They all lived in the home together.

"Soler said investigators are still trying to establish a timeline in the case. They have not said who Morales killed first or what led to the slayings. He also said it’s unclear why the 13-year-old girl was strangled and the others were shot.

"`At this point, I don’t know if we’ll ever know why it took place,` Soler said."

Source: Dallas Morning News...

Deadly Meeting

"HOUSTON, TX — Two days before Christmas, an apparent murder/suicide was reported in southeast Houston.

"Officers were called to the 7500 block of El Rancho near Telephone on Tuesday after a woman told 911 that her husband shot her. Police found a man shot to death in the couple's car, and the woman was taken to a hospital and died there later.

"The shooting happened at the residence at about 1:30 p.m., and the couple was divorcing. The man allegedly asked his wife to meet him, but he shot her when she arrived. He reportedly then turned the gun on himself inside a car sitting outside a home.

"Their identities have not been released. No further information is currently available."

From chron.com...

One Dead After Domestic Violence Incident

"LAREDO, TX — A man with a history of domestic violence shot his wife Thursday before turning the gun on himself, according to Laredo police.

"LPD responded to a 911 call early Thursday in the 2800 block of Guadalupe Street.

"At the scene, police found a man’s body and a woman with a gunshot wound to her shoulder.

"They were later identified as Ernesto Magallanes, 23, and Jennifer Renne Molina, 22.

"`At this point, it looks like an (attempted) murder/suicide,` said Investigator Joe Baeza, LPD spokesman."

From LMTonline.com...

Game Night No-Show Found Dead

"PEARLAND, TX — Police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide after two people were found dead in a Pearland residence.

"According to Pearland police, officers responded to a home on 911 South Peach Hollow Court after family members tried unsuccessfully to make contact with the homeowner, Vera Osburn.

"A neighbor told police that Osburn, who is in her 70s, had not been seen since Tuesday and did not show up for a scheduled game night Thursday. That neighbor called family members, who then called police.

"Police arrived, and said Osburn and a male acquaintance of hers, identified as Charles Engle, were both found deceased inside the residence.

"Pearland police said preliminary indications suggest it was a murder/suicide, but the investigation continues."

From click2houston.com...

Killer Found Dead In Victim's Car

"EL PASO, TX — The El Paso Police Department have officially released the names of those involved in a murder/suicide Wednesday.

"Police received a call at about 5:45 p.m. at an apartment in the 10700 block of Vista Del Sol where 26-year-old Jacqueline Valenzuela was found shot to death inside her apartment.

"Detectives identified 27-year-old Carlos Torres, who was at the apartment when the shooting occurred, as the suspect in the homicide.

"Police say Torres fled the scene in a vehicle that belonged to Valenzuela—a black 2012 Ford Focus.

"Police searched for Torres and received information that he may have been in the Tom Mays Park area in West El Paso off of Trans Mountain.

"Officers approached the vehicle and saw a man—identified as Torres—dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police say the motive for the homicide appears to be jealousy as Valenzuela and Torres had recently broken off a relationship and Valenzuela had begun seeing someone else. The case remains ongoing at this time."

From kvia.com...

Cop, Wife Found Dead After Mystery 911 Call

"MIDLAND, TX — A Midland Police officer's wife has been officially declared dead.

"The Midland Police Department [reports] that Sandra Simpson, the wife of Sgt. Chad Simpson, was pronounced dead early Thursday morning.

"Midland Police say it all started with a 911 call with no one on the other end that originated from a home on 403 Crenshaw Drive. That's where they found 34-year-old Sgt. Chad Simpson from the Midland Police Department dead from a gunshot wound.

"Sandra was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital following the shooting where it was announced that she was believed to have died. However, the following day, Midland Police released a statement saying they couldn't confirm her status.

"The scene was handed over to the Odessa Police Department and Texas Rangers will be completing the investigation.

"Midland Police say Sgt. Simpson most recently worked in the traffic division and had been employed with the department for more than nine years, also serving patrol and K-9 assignments throughout his career.

"Friends say that Sandra Simpson worked at the Midland Women's Clinic.

"The Simpson's leave behind two toddlers who are now being taken care of by extended family.

"In a press release, Midland Police are extending their thoughts and prayers to friends and family."

From newswest9.com...

Couple Found Dead In Nursing Home

"KELLER, TX — The deaths of a married couple in their 90s found fatally shot inside a Keller assisted living center is being investigated as a murder/suicide, police say.

"Keller police said they were called at about 6:40 a.m. Wednesday to Whitley Place, an assisted living center on the 800 block of Whitley Road, after an employee found the couple's bodies in their beds. According to Keller police Capt. Brenda Slovak, the employee checked on the couple after the man didn't appear for his morning coffee.

"`She got suspicious and went in to check on them and see if they were OK,` Slovak said. `That's when she found them dead.`

"Slovak said the deaths were likely the result of a murder-suicide and that the husband shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. A handgun was found in his hand, police said.

"Police said the couple, whose names have not yet been released, do not have a history of violence and said the man's wife may have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. They had been living at the center since 2013.

"Slovak said nobody at Whitley Place reported hearing gunshots in the couple's room, which is located at the end of a hallway."

From nbcdfw.com...

Shattered Lives On Glass Street

"DIBOLL, TX — Diboll Police officers are investigating the death of a man and his wife whose bodies were found at a home on 1315 Glass Street Tuesday morning. Authorities believe that the deaths were possibly a double suicide or a murder/suicide.

"Steve Baker, the interim chief of the Diboll Police Department, said that the couple has been identified as William Guy Treadway, 86, and Velma Beauchamp Treadway, 73.

"The initial 911 call came in at 9:47 Tuesday, Baker said. The interim chief said that a family member of the couple said that they were concerned that their father had picked their mother up from the Trinity Mission nursing home and had made statements that they might hurt themselves.

"When the Diboll Police Department arrived at the scene, they tried to call into the house, but they got no response, Baker said. As a result, the officers made a forced entry into the home, and found William and Velma Treadway's bodies inside. Both people had apparent gunshot wounds, Baker said.

"Investigators quickly secured the scene, and autopsies have been ordered, Baker said.

"Baker said even though the case is still under investigation at this time, it could be a double suicide or a murder/suicide.

"`This isn't the kind of thing you think of on a morning like this,` Baker said. `It's tragic and the family members were actually on their way to visit and it's very tragic for them and we are very sorry for their loss. We know it's going to be tough for them now that it is the holidays.`"

From ktre.com...

Police Investigate Home Of Dead Couple

"EL PASO, TX — El Paso Police’s Crimes Against Persons unit is investigating the deaths of two adults at an East Side Home.

"Police received a welfare check call at around 10:20 a.m. Saturday for the home in the 9800 block of Eastridge.

"Officers arrived at the home and learned that family members were concerned when they were unable to contact a person who they believed was inside of the home.

"Officers entered the home and found the two people dead inside the home with the deaths appearing to be the result of a murder/suicide.

"Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were at the scene throughout the day and night Thursday investigating the scene.

"Police are not releasing the identities of the decedents pending notifying next of kin."

From kvia.com...

2 Dead Bodies, 3 Dead Dogs Found In Home

"HAWKINS, TX — The Texas Rangers are investigating after two bodies were found Wednesday in a Hawkins home.

"Hawkins Police Chief Ron Voda says the deaths are being investigated as a murder/suicide until the autopsy comes back.

"Voda said officers were sent to a home about 2:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Estelle Street. When they arrived at the house, they found the front door open. Officers found two dead bodies and three dead dogs. Voda says all of them appeared to have been shot to death.

"The bodies were sent to Southwest Forensics in Dallas for an autopsy and the Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation."

From ktre.com...

Woman Killed While Calling 911

"RED ROCK, TX — The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office says a husband shot and killed his estranged wife Tuesday night before killing himself.

"Investigators say it happened at around 9:50 p.m. at a home along FM 86 in Red Rock, an unincorporated community southwest of Bastrop.

"The sheriff's office says deputies received a call from a woman who reported that she and her estranged husband were arguing and he was trying to make entry into the bedroom where she was. She also reported that he may have a gun with him.

"Before deputies could make it to the scene, the woman told dispatchers that the suspect had shot at her. Dispatchers then reported that the phone line went silent, investigators say.

"When deputies arrived they found both people dead inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds, the sheriff's office says.

"The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy Wednesday morning and determined the incident was a murder/suicide.

"Police have identified the couple as Patricia Ann Thomas, 42, and Richard Dennis Brown, 50."

From keyetv.com...

Murder Suspect Found Dead

"FRANKLIN COUNTY, TX — A man suspected in a Franklin County murder has been found dead in Hopkins County.

"Hopkins County officials found 55-year-old Keith Lynn McDowell's body at 7:55 a.m. on County Road 2381 in the Greenwood Community. An official said he died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Authorities are investigating the murder that took place early Tuesday morning. The shooting occurred just after midnight at the Still Meadows RV Park located just south of Mount Vernon off of County Road 3070. The victim, 31-year-old Angie Jo Smith, was found dead of apparent gunshot wounds. Smith was the mother of two children, ages 5 and 7. The children weren't present when their mother was killed.

"A warrant was issued for McDowell and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office said he fled the scene before deputies arrived. McDowell's body was discovered a short time later by a person in Hopkins County and contacted authorities, who were able to verify the person was McDowell."

From kltv.com...

Death By Kitchen Knife

"CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — An attempted murder/suicide was discovered in a Westside neighborhood by a woman who was checking on her 84-year-old mother.

"Around 10 this morning police were called to a home on 2922 MacArthur for an attempted murder/suicide.

"`We heard a bunch of cop cars pull up so we came out,` said neighbor Damon Thomas.

"Police say a 61-year old woman discovered the scene when she went next door to check up on her 84-year old mother, Ramona Ramirez.

"`Yeah she goes up and checks up on the parents all the time. That's like her regular deal,` said Thomas.

"Police say she found her mother and her 62-year old husband, Patricio Ramirez, in the living room. Both of them had stab wounds. Patricio was dead, and her mother was still alive. Her mother, Ramona Ramirez, died just a few hours later in the hospital.

"`The old lady she's nice. But the old man... I mean I've never seen them fight or anything funny so... Um... They didn't look like they did not get along,` said Thomas.

"Police believe Patricio attempted to kill his wife with a kitchen knife, then kill himself with that same knife. The case is still under investigation. Police have not released what lead to the stabbings."

From kristv.com...

Couple May Have Been Dead For Days

"IOLA, TX — Grimes County sheriff’s investigators have deemed the deaths of a married Iola couple a murder-suicide.

"Deputies discovered the bodies of 55-year-old Noemi Pullantes Chandler and 64-year-old Dan William Chandler while doing a welfare check at their home in the 10000 block of F.M. 244 about 8 p.m. Monday.

"A friend had last seen the couple Friday and called authorities, who looked through a window to find the man in a chair and the woman on the floor in the living room, Sheriff Don Sowell said.

"Preliminary autopsy results showed that Noemi Chandler died from a gunshot wound to the lower back while Dan Chandler died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Investigators said the shooting likely took place 2 to 3 days before deputies found the bodies.

"The couple had been married for five years.

"Sowell said on-going marital problems may have contributed to the incident."

From theeagle.com...

Disabled Man Rescued From Blaze Set By Caregiver

"NACOGDOCHES, TX — Investigators with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, Texas Rangers, and the city fire marshal's office are investigating a blaze at a two-story home in the Carrizo Creek Subdivision that authorities believe is the result of an “attempted murder-suicide crime.”

"Firefighters found the body of a woman with a gunshot wound to her chest in the home, and they managed to rescue her bedridden common-law husband. The man has since been released from the hospital.

“`The sheriff's office is treating this as an open homicide investigation, but we believe that this was an apparent attempted murder/suicide crime,` Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges said in a press release. `All evidence and facts that we have gathered at this time are leading us to believe that Goff intentionally set the house on fire before shooting herself in the living room.`

"The fire occurred on FM 1878, near the entrance of Carrizo Creek Estates.

"A neighbor called in the fire after he or she spotted smoke coming from the residence.

"Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Kerry Don Williams pronounced Margi Lynn Goff, 61, dead at the scene. The press release stated that investigators noticed that Goff had what appeared to be a self-inflicted, close-contact wound in her chest with burn marks from the weapon. Williams ordered an autopsy be performed on Goff's body.

"Bridges said firefighters found Goff's body in the living room of the home. A pistol was found near her body, he said.

"Firefighters rescued Hal David Parris, a 65-year-old stroke victim, from a medical bed in one of the home's bedrooms. The press release stated that Parris has been bedridden for several years.

“`The sheriff's office has gained information that Goff had been depressed recently and had mentioned committing suicide to her husband,` the press release stated.

"NCSO investigators at the scene established that there was no evidence of forced entry into the home. The press release also said that authorities believe Goff and Parris were the only ones in the home when the incident occurred.

"Investigators told the East Texas news that Parris is unable to speak. However, they said they are that through yes/no questions, Parris can tell them if his common-law wife was responsible for setting the fire."

From ktre.com...

Two Dead, Cop Wounded After Shooting Spree

"EL PASO, TX — A motive remains unknown for a rampage in which a woman was killed and an El Paso police officer was shot and wounded after stopping a motorist.

"Both might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"The woman, identified by police as Cecilia Diaz, 61, was a caring person who had worked with young children, a friend said.

"El Paso police officials Wednesday identified the suspected shooter as Frank Aparicio, 30, of the 12000 block of Sal Rasura Court in the far East Side.

"About 5 a.m. Tuesday, police found Diaz inside the home where Aparicio lived, a police spokesman said.

"Police have not disclosed the connection between Diaz and Aparicio and how and when Diaz was killed.

"Aparicio was found dead Tuesday morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot behind a store in the Lower Valley.

"`Investigators believe and physical evidence suggests that Frank Aparicio is responsible for the murder of Cecilia Diaz and the attempted capital murder of Officer Mike Garcia,` a police news release said.

"An investigation continues but because Aparicio took his own life, investigators might never completely know why he went on a violent spree, a police spokesman has said.

"Police officials said that Aparicio is suspected of shooting Garcia on Monday night when the officer had stopped a driver on North Loop Drive near Yarbrough Drive in the Lower Valley.

"Garcia was shot several times, sparking a massive search for the shooter that included blocked streets, police dogs and helicopters.

"A police spokesman said that the shooting appeared to be a random targeting of a police officer.

"Garcia is recovering at a hospital. He has been with the Police Department for two years and is assigned to the Mission Valley Regional Command Center, officials said."

Read more at elpasotimes.com...

Workplace Shooting Caught On Pharmacy Video

"HOUSTON, TX — Houston police said a pharmacist and pharmacy technician died Wednesday afternoon in an apparent murder/suicide at Ben Taub hospital's outpatient pharmacy.

"According to investigators, surveillance video shows a 58-year-old man using a 9 mm handgun to shoot a younger female coworker in the back. She never saw him coming, police said.

"`She was standing at her work station when the suspect walks by and then is out of her range, she cannot see him and at that time that's when he discharges his weapon,` Houston Police Department spokesman John Cannon said.

"The gunman then shot and killed himself, police said.

"Dozens of people were inside the pharmacy waiting to pick up prescriptions and reported hearing multiple gunshots.

"`First we thought it was a firecracker going off,` said Suzanne Dziema.

"Police said the shooter recently tried to start a relationship with the younger woman."

From click2houston.com...

"Person Of Interest" Commits Suicide As SWAT Arrives

"LEDBETTER, TX — The shooting of a 19-year-old mother and her 19-month-old in Fayette County is tied to a standoff where the suspect died of an apparent suicide Monday in Austin, deputies said. The Texas Rangers were called to investigate after a 19-year-old woman was found dead Monday in a home along U.S. Highway 290 near Ledbetter in Fayette County. A 19-month-old child was rushed to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin for treatment of a head wound.

"Deputies say they got a 911 call Monday saying a woman and child were lying in blood on the floor of a home. Deputies identified the woman as Justice Martinez. They believe she died as the result of a gunshot wound.

"Fayette County Deputies say they then identified a person of interest who lived in Austin and notified police. Officers went to the man’s address, where he refused to come out. A SWAT team was called in to negotiate, but police say he killed himself instead. Police identified the dead man as Deandre Rashad L. Owens.

"Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the shooting. An autopsy has been ordered for Martinez.

"[Court records show] Martinez had an emergency protection order filed on Jan. 21 against a 25-year-old Owens, but it expired on March 21. Records indicate Martinez did not apply for a permanent protective order after the emergency order expired.

"`We don’t have stuff like that happen in this little town,` said Harley Goerlitz, who has lived in Ledbetter his entire life. `I’ve never seen anything like this in Ledbetter. It’s a calm little town; everyone’s friendly.`"

From kxan.com...

Daughter Finds Mom & Dad Dead

"HOUSTON, TX — A husband and wife were found shot to death in a suspected murder/suicide in south Houston home Sunday morning. The husband's wound apparently self-inflicted, Houston Police said.

"Raul Cruz, whose age was unknown, and Maribel Cruz, 43, were found dead around 7 a.m. at their home at 9523 Garden Bridge, according to HPD spokesman Kese Smith.

"Police believe at this time that Raul Cruz killed Maribel Cruz and then himself, though police are still waiting on an autopsy.

"A firearm was also recovered.

"The Cruz's two daughters heard gunshots in the early morning hours, but after checking on their parents and finding them apparently asleep, went back to sleep themselves, Smith said.

"He said when one of the daughters got up to get ready for work in the morning, she noticed her stepfather Raul Cruz's truck still in the driveway, when he should have been at work.

"She then found the Cruz's dead, Smith said.

"There was no information yet on a motive, police said."

Source: Houston Chronicle...

One Dead, One Injured In Domestic Shooting

"PLANO, TX — On Friday, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Plano police responded to 3544 Big Horn Trail in response to a shooting and domestic violence incident.

"Upon officers' arrival, neighbors reported that they heard a series of shots in the area. Officers were further advised that a woman ran from the residence to a neighbor’s house with apparent gunshot wounds. She was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

"The suspect was found deceased inside the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He has been identified as William Donald Collyar, a 55-year-old, white male from Plano. The deceased’s next of kin have been notified.

"According to the Plano PD, the investigation is still on-going."

From starlocalmedia.com...