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...

Shooter Recently Released From Jail On Domestic Violence Charges

"NEW PARIS, OH — Two people died after a domestic murder/suicide Monday night. The shooter, Brian Harleman, 43 and Samantha Carpenter, a 10-year-old girl, were killed and her mother Catherine Gessman, age 45, was seriously injured.

"The girl attended National Trail Local Schools.

"According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, at approximately 11:48 p.m., deputies responded to 7812 New Paris Gettysburg Rd., after receiving calls of shots being fired at the residence.

"Dispatchers received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting the incident.

"Gessman reported that she and her daughter had been shot, and that the shooter had shot himself. Deputies and EMS units arrived and found three people in the driveway, all with gunshot wounds.

"According to Simpson, the preliminary investigation indicates that Harleman forcibly entered the residence. He recently resided at the residence with Gessman and her daughter. After gaining entry to the residence, an altercation occurred. Gessman and her daughter fled the residence through a back door.

"Simpson said the suspect is believed to have chased them and fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking both Gessman and Carpenter.

"After shooting both victims, the suspect shot himself with the handgun, Simpson said.

"Harleman was pronounced dead at the scene. Carpenter was also pronounced dead at the scene. Geesman was transported to Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, by Northwest EMS, and later transferred to an Indianapolis hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries. At this time, her injuries are not believed to be life threatening, according to Simpson.

"Simpson said there is a history of domestic violence between the suspect and the girlfriend. Deputies responded to the residence on Wednesday, Dec. 17, regarding a domestic violence complaint.

"Harleman was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence last week. A protection order was issued by Preble County Common Pleas Court against Harleman. His bond was posted on Thursday, Dec. 18, and he was released from jail."

From dailyadvocate.com...

Cop Execution Ends With Shooter's Suicide

"BROOKLYN, NY — Two NYPD cops were executed Saturday after a career criminal drove from Baltimore to Brooklyn to kill police officers in a twisted bid to avenge the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

"`They were, quite simply, assassinated,` a shaken NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said Saturday night.

"The shooter—identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley—boasted about wanting to murder cops in the hours before he ambushed the officers outside the Tompkins Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant about 2:45 p.m.

"The officers—Rafael Ramos, 40, and Wenjian Liu, 32—were in the area as part of a push to beef up cops’ presence near violence-plagued housing projects.

"`The perp came out of the houses, walked up behind the car and lit them up,` a high-ranking police official told the Daily News.

"Right after Brinsley fired the fatal shots, he sprinted around the corner to the G line subway station at Myrtle-Willoughby Aves., with cops in close pursuit.

"Brinsley disappeared inside the station, then shot himself in the head on a platform, police said.

"The slayings capped a bloody daylong crime spree for Brinsley.

"Hours before he showed up in Brooklyn, Brinsley shot his ex-girlfriend at about 5:45 a.m. in Owings Mills, Md., about 15 miles from Baltimore.

"The 29-year-old woman, who was hit in the stomach, underwent surgery and was expected to survive, a family member told The News."

Read more at the Daily News...

"Mentally Afflicted" Man Kills Mother, Grandmother

"LITTLE ROCK, AR — Little Rock police announced early Thursday morning that it appears a man has shot and killed his mother and grandmother just before turning the gun on himself.

"According to Sgt. Cassandra Davis, police were called to the Colony West Apartments on 1420 Breckenridge Drive around 10 p.m. Wednesday for a welfare check as family members were concerned about not hearing anything from the victims in a very long time.

"Sgt. Davis's report showed that once police were able to enter the apartment, they found the bodies of 86-year-old Betty Joe Chapman, 60-year-old Lisa Rochelle Chapman, and 38-year-old Joshua Minor. All three of them had apparently been shot to death.

"A police report did indicate that Minor was mentally afflicted, but did not go into detail.

"Homicide detective said all three of the shooting victims lived together in the apartment. In addition, detectives found out there had been ongoing tension between Minor and his grandmother. They said that based off of evidence at the scene, Minor apparently killed both his mother and grandmother before killing himself."

From THV11.com...

Suspect Found Dead After Killing Spree

"PENNSBURG, PA — The suspect in a Pennsylvania killing spree that left six dead has been found dead after a manhunt that spanned two days, according to the Doylestown Township Police Department.

"Accused gunman Bradley William Stone, a 35-year-old ex-Marine, was found dead in the woods near Pennsburg Tuesday afternoon.

"Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman says police found Stone's body at around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday about a half-mile from his Pennsburg home.

"She says he died of apparent self-inflicted cutting wounds to the center of his body. Officials are still waiting on a coroner to determine cause of death.

"Monday's shooting rampage started before dawn at the home of Stone's former sister-in-law in Souderton and ended about 90 minutes later at ex-wife Nicole Stone's apartment in nearby Harleysville, prosecutors said.

"His former wife, 33-year-old Nicole Stone, was found dead after a neighbor saw Stone fleeing just before 5 a.m. Monday with their two young daughters. The girls were later found safe with Stone's neighbors.

"Police then made the grim discovery of five people killed in two other houses.

"Nicole Stone's sister, Patricia Flick, her sister's husband, Aaron Flick, and the couple's 14-year-old daughter, Nina Flick, were killed in the first wave of violence, which was not discovered until nearly 8 a.m. Their 17-year-old son, Anthony Flick, was pulled from the house with a head wound and was taken in an armored vehicle and then by helicopter to a Philadelphia hospital for treatment.

"Nicole Stone's mother, Joanne Hill, and grandmother Patricia Hill were killed next at their home in nearby Lansdale.

"Anthony Flick suffered `quite significant cutting injuries` to his hands and head, and was in very serious but stable condition, Ferman said. Some of the boy's wounds appeared to be defensive, indicating that he attempted to fight off his attacker, according to Ferman.

"`I can't emphasize enough how serious his condition is, but at this point, we are hoping he will be fine,` Ferman said earlier Tuesday."

Read more at cbsnews.com...

Four Murdered, Killer Found Dead In Truck

"MORGANTOWN, WV — A West Virginia man suspected in four killings in separate shootings was discovered dead in his truck of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a nine-hour manhunt, police said Monday.

"Jody Lee Hunt, 39, of Westover was found in a clearing in the woods in the southern part of Monongalia County, inside his 2011 Ford F-150, according to state police.

"The vehicle and body were found about 7 pm in `a power line right of way,` spokesman Lt. Dennis Johnson said.

"Hunt was wanted in two shootings in the Westover area and another in the Cheat Lake area in Monongalia County, spokesman Lt. Michael Baylous said. Medical officials will work to confirm the identity of the body, he said.

"Officials said they would not release further information Monday night. On Tuesday, investigators at each of the three crime scenes will `sit down and piece all those puzzle pieces together and find out how this all happened,` Baylous said.

"Into Monday evening, state and local police had fanned out in search of Hunt, who was believed to be driving a 2011 Ford F-150 extended cab truck with license plate OLK 303.

"The truck reportedly has a sticker reading `Rough Country` in the back window and a Black Tonneau cover over the bed, reports the station.

"State police spokesman Lt Michael Baylous identified the two victims killed in the Cheat Lake area as Berkshire of Westover, as well as Michael David Frum, 28. They were found inside a home.

"The third identified victim, Doug Brady, was found dead inside his Westover business, Doug's Towing.

"A November 7 Facebook post from Berkshire appears to show the very same truck Hunt is believed to have been driving, along with the words, 'New ride for this girl !!!!'

"According to Monongalia County Circuit Court records, Berkshire filed a domestic violence case against Hunt some time last month.

"Unfortunately, her efforts appear to have come too late. Court records also indicated there were no protective orders currently in place for Berkshire."

Source: Daily Mail...

Two Dead, One Injured In "Quiet Neighborhood"

"SHERWOOD, OR — A domestic dispute in a quiet Sherwood neighborhood ended in tragedy Thursday morning after a man shot his girlfriend, her sister and finally himself.

"Sherwood Police Capt. Ty Hanlon said the couple was found dead at the home. The sister is being treated for gunshot wounds, but is expected to survive.

"Authorities say gunfire erupted inside 17981 Southwest Cereghino Lane around 12:30 a.m. A woman with a gunshot wound escaped from the home and sought help from a neighbor, who called the police, Hanlon said.

"When authorities arrived, they transported the woman to a nearby hospital. Washington County's Tactical Negotiation Team, along with Sherwood Police, tried to make contact with the man and woman, who were believed to be still inside the home.

"Authorities used flash bangs and gas in an attempt to roust the pair from the home. Police evacuated nearby neighbors and housed them in a TriMet bus to keep them warm, Hanlon said.

"After several hours of failed attempts to contact anyone inside, members of the SWAT team broke down the back fence of the residence with an armored vehicle and entered the home. The man was found dead inside, while the woman was found dead outside the home.

"Both were residents of the home, Hanlon said, and died of apparent gunshot wounds.

"The names of the shooting victims have not been released."

From oregonlive.com...

Shooter Dead At Scene, Two Wounded

"TOLDEO, OH — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting today in Sylvania Township as an attempted murder/suicide.

"David A. Eckhardt, 43, of 7160 Regents Park Blvd., shot his wife, Melissa Eckhardt, and his father, Richard C. Eckhardt, 71, and then turned the handgun on himself, said Sylvania Township police Det. Jim Rettig. The younger Mr. Eckhardt was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Mrs. Eckhardt and the elder Mr. Eckhardt were injured during the incident, which occurred at the couple’s residence on Regents Park, which is in the St. James Wood community, at about 9:15 a.m. The man’s mother was also at the house at the time of the shootings but was not injured herself, Detective Rettig said.

"One of the victims was taken to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, according to the Lucas County EMS. Their conditions have not been released.

"Detective Rettig said Mr. Eckhardt’s parents did not live in the home. He did not say why they were at the residence.

"The detective said the motive involved marital issues. He was checking into a report that police were called to the residence for an incident on Monday."

From the Toldeo Blade...

Four Dead, One Injured In Native American Community

"SISSETON, SD — Around 3:30 a.m. this morning, Sisseton residents heard sirens blare and, later, a helicopter, likely an air ambulance.

"Within hours, the small Roberts County town would be rocked by the news of a shooting that left four people dead and one critically injured.

"The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation said preliminary investigation results identify Colter Richard Arbach, 22, of Sisseton, as the shooter in the morning incident, according to a release from the state Attorney General's office.

"Officials believe Arbach shot the four other people before killing himself. The bodies were found at a home in Sisseton.

"One of the victims, a female, was in stable condition today at a Fargo hospital, according to earlier Associated Press reports.

"By mid-morning, many from Sisseton's Native American community had gathered at the east end of the blocked-off portion of the street, where a green house sits at the corner of Cherry Street and Fourth Avenue East.

"Some residents had been there since the sirens rang, waiting for news and supporting each other.

"Sisseton Police and Roberts County Sheriff's Office vehicles were guarding the two-block section, keeping bystanders back from the scene.

"Nearly half of Sisseton's 2,470 residents in 2010 were American Indian, according to the U.S. Census. Sisseton is on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation, which is in the northeast corner of the state near the borders with North Dakota and Minnesota.

"All of the victims and Arbach are believed to be at least part Native American."

Read more at aberdeennews.com...

Three Dead In Navajo Nation

"OJO ENCINO, NM — Three people are dead in a murder/suicide in the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation, according to Crownpoint District Navajo Nation police.

"Two victims were stabbed to death by a man before he allegedly took his own life, according to police.

"The incident was first reported to authorities just before 9 p.m. Thursday night. Ojo Encino is located on US 550 between Bloomfield and Bernalillo on a checkerboard portion of the Navajo Nation.

"Authorities have not released any information regarding the victims or the suspect at this time."

From kob.com...

Four Gunshot Victims Found In Bedroom, 2 Dead

"TABERNACLE, NJ — New Jersey State Police have released the names of the three children who were shot in what appears to have been an attempted murder/suicide in Tabernacle, New Jersey.

"Financial troubles may have led to the violence.

"Investigators say the incident was reported at 9:16 a.m. Thursday at a home on 39 Holly Park Drive.

"According to investigators, all of the victims were shot inside the same bedroom.

"8-year-old Nadia Harriman and 14-year-old Nicholas Harriman were dead when police arrived on the scene.

"11-year-old Alexander Harriman and 44-year-old Jeaninne LePage were still alive, and rushed to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where they remain in critical condition.

"LePage, who had been shot in the head, is said to be the mother of the children.

"All four are believed to have been shot with the same weapon—a handgun found at the scene.

"The incident was reported by family members, police said, who were in the home. Investigators say nobody heard the shooting.

"Capt. Stephen Jones said, `We are not getting into reasons why right now.`"

Read more at 6abc.com...

Three Found Dead By Nine-Year-Old

"FLOYD DALE, SC — Preliminary findings of an investigation into the deaths of three people found dead in a Dillon County home show they were all shot in a murder/suicide, according to Captain Cliff Arnette with the Dillon County Sheriff's Office.

"Arnette said no additional information is being released as to who committed the crimes or a motive but that information will be provided once the investigation is complete.

"The bodies of Summer Grice, 20, Tiana Mendez, 30, and her husband Miguel Mendez, 33, were found last Saturday night in a home on Forestdale Court in the Floydale community near Latta.

"A nine-year-old child found one of the bodies inside the home and called 911.

"Neighbors said the home belonged to Tiana and Miguel Mendez.

"Relatives of Summer Grice said she was a close friend of Tiana Mendez and that the two were together earlier that day at a birthday celebration in Florence."

From carolinalive.com...

Home Invader Found Dead After Shooting Two

"MOUNT GILEAD, NC A suspect is among two people dead following a home invasion and shooting in Montgomery County early Tuesday, deputies said. Another person was injured, and the suspect search led to school delays.

"The incident was reported around 3:20 a.m. on Highway 109 a few miles north of Mount Gilead. Montgomery County deputies said two people were shot inside the home, and a third home invasion victim fled the home uninjured.

"Deputies identified the dead victim as Khammone Soulasinh and the dead suspect as Kamphone Douangkham. The other shooting victim, Vilakhone Soulasihn, was flown to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Her exact condition isn't known.

"Soulasinh was found shot on the porch and died en route to the hospital, deputies said. Douangkham was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in woods behind the home, deputies said.

"Deputies believe Douangkham forced his way into the home, shot both victims and then fled the home. He was found several hours later during a search, which involved a state Highway Patrol helicopter."

From wxii12.com...

Violence Protection Order Doesn't Stop Killer

"TWIN FALLS, ID — A woman likely killed by her longtime boyfriend had filed a domestic violence protection order against him less than two weeks before she was slain, court records show.

"The bodies of Leann Schuldies, 38, daughter Brianna Cox, 17, and boyfriend George Salinas Jr., 36, were found Saturday in their home at 2843 E. 3500 N., southwest of Twin Falls.

"Salinas apparently killed Schuldies and her daughter, then himself, deputies believe.

"The two also were raising four other children: Bryson Schuldies, 13; Alexandra Salinas, 9; Dallas Salinas, 7; and Gabriel Salinas, 6. They are all staying with family members, said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Lori Stewart.

"Leann Schuldies filed a protection order as part of a domestic violence civil case Nov. 5, saying Salinas could not have contact with her or the five children. On Nov. 12, the temporary order was extended until Nov. 26.

"A hearing on whether to renew the order was to have been held Friday.

"Monday, investigators still were piecing together details of the apparent double murder/suicide.

“`We’re trying to put together what happened in the house that morning,` Stewart said."

From magicvalley.com...

Welfare Check Finds Two Dead, One Injured

"EVANS, CO — A man and a teenage girl were killed and a woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head in a shooting at an Evans home on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

"At about 1:30 p.m., Evans police officers responded on a request for a welfare check at a home in the 2400 block of Marina Street. An employer had called 911 to say a man had missed work and the employer knew the man was having personal issues, Evans Police Commander Chad Harding said in news release.

"When officers responded to the home, the door was answered by a woman with severe head trauma, Harding said. She was transported to Northern Colorado Medical Center and was soon airlifted to Denver Health Medical Center with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

"Meanwhile, Evans police officers and Weld County deputies entered the home and found the bodies of a man and juvenile teenage girl with apparent gunshot wounds in an upstairs bedroom, Harding said.

"Neighbor Kendra Finn told [reporters] that SWAT officers armed with assault rifles swarmed the home in the afternoon and area streets were closed.

"The investigation is on-going."

From thedenverchannel.com...

Murder Suspect Shoots Himself During Traffic Stop

"MEMPHIS, TN — Memphis Police said with the help of the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff positively identified the man who fatally shot himself Monday evening during a traffic stop near Sam Cooper Boulevard as Sean Petrozzino, the 30-year-old quadruple amputee who was a person of interest in the Nov. 4 death of his parents in Florida.

"According to Memphis Police report just before 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 an officer on routine patrol observed a red Toyota Camry make an illegal U-turn at Sam Cooper and Tillman. The officer got behind the vehicle southbound on Vandalia near Nathan and activated his blue lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

"After the Camry stopped, the officer got out of his cruiser and started to approach the car. The officer then heard what appeared to be a gunshot from inside of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Mr. Petrozzino, was found slumped over with an apparent gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

"MPD said the officer found a black semi-automatic pistol in the front seat of the Camry. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that the tags on the victim's vehicle did not belong to the vehicle. The VIN (vehicle identification number) did show that the Camry was registered to a Orange County, Florida couple who were the victims of a homicide on Nov. 4.

"Homicide detectives with the Orange County Sheriff were notified and traveled to Memphis after telling MPD that Mr. Petrozzino was a suspect in the deaths of his parents."

Read more at FOX4 Dallas-Fort Worth...

Robbery Was Motive In Double Murder/Suicide

"STUART, FL — Investigators now think they know the motive behind a double murder/suicide in Martin County.

"Gloria Bono and her son Michael were found shot to death inside a mansion in the Stuart Yacht and Country Club Monday November 10th.

"Investigators think 32-year-old Robert Gulick killed them before taking his own life.

"Detectives believe Michael and Robert were friends and that Robert knew that Michael carried large amounts of cash with him at all times.

"Sunday morning Robert asked Michael to come to a mansion where Gulick was working as a handyman.

"Unable to drive himself because of a suspended license, Michael had his mother drive him.

"She and her son were never seen leaving.

"Gulick was later found dead in a hotel room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Gloria Bono's SUV was also parked at the hotel.

"Inside the hotel where Gulick’s body was discovered detectives say they found narcotics and a large amount of cash.

"They say it appears the motive for the double murder was robbery.

"Investigators say Gloria and Michael were killed with the same type of weapon that the mansion owner, who lives in another state, keeps in her home.

"Investigators have ordered ballistic tests on the weapon."

From wptv.com...

Man Kills Kids, Self

"RENO, NV — A Reno woman says her husband suffered a mental breakdown before he killed their two young sons and turned a gun on himself at their home in northwest Reno.

"Ashley Deane released a statement on Monday after Reno police confirmed the identities of the victims of Saturday's shootings: Her husband, Rob Deane, and sons, Jacob, 7, and Austin, 2. Police said all three died from gunshot wounds.

"Officer Tim Broadway said Monday detectives were continuing to investigate the case as a homicide and would have no further comment.

"Ashley Deane is a professional photographer in the Reno area. Her statement asks for `privacy and prayers` for her family as they suffer through an `unspeakable and unimaginable tragedy.`"

From knprnews.org...

Family Of Three Likely Dead For Days

"HINESVILLE, GA — Police in Liberty County are investigating a deadly case of domestic violence. Hinesville police found the bodies of a man, his wife and her daughter inside their home on the 1900 block of Bluestone Loop last night. Neighbors say that was the last house where they'd expect such violence.

"Hinesville resident Sheletta Beverly is still in shock that such horror could happen a few doors from her home. She identified the family as Dwayne and Maxine Hankins and Mrs. Hankins' teenage daughter. `When I came home, it was Hinesville police cars everywhere, the road was blocked and one person came and told me what happened,` she said.

"Friends and teachers were worried when the woman and her daughter missed days of work and school. Police found doors locked and dead-bolted, and no signs of forced entry. `Near one of the windows, they noticed an odor coming from the residence and decided they should enter to see if everything was okay in the house,` said Det. Melvin Kesner with the Hinesville PD.

"Police found the family Thursday evening, but they think they've been in the house for days. Neighbor Beverly says the Hankinses had lived in the Stonehenge subdivision since 1996 and the children played with hers. `Maxine, every time you saw her, she was smiling,` she said. `She was always smiling and friendly and loving woman.`

"A handful of roses now sit just behind the crime scene tape. Neighbors hope they can get closer than that to some answers some time soon.

"Police say both adults worked in Savannah. They say the husband was a civilian employee of the military and had just returned from overseas in September.

"Maj. Thomas Cribbs of the Hinesville police says their theory from the start has been murder/suicide, but they are investigating every possibility to make sure it isn't anything that should cause worry to anyone else."

From wtoc.com...

Three Generations Die In Shooting

"SEATTLE, WA — Seattle police say a grandfather shot and killed his daughter and then his granddaughter before turning the gun on himself in a South Seattle home Monday night.

"Assistant Chief Nick Metz said dispatchers received a 911 call from a 10-year-old boy who reported shots fired inside a house on 6328 South Fountain Street.

"Within three minutes, officers arrived at the residence and found an elderly man, an adult female and a teenage female dead at the scene.

"Police later confirmed the man responsible for the shooting was 78 years old. They said he killed his 39-year-old daughter and 11-year-old granddaughter before killing himself.

"While authorities have not released the victims' names, sources identified the grandfather as Honorario Yango, the daughter as Christine Dela Isla and the granddaughter Analia Cowherd, an honor student at Aki Kurose Middle School.

"Metz said the 10-year-old boy escaped unharmed. Extended family members were taking care of the boy."

From king5.com...