FBCSO: 2 adults, 2 teenagers found dead in apparent murder-suicide

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County deputies are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after four people were found shot to death inside a Fort Bend County home early Sunday morning, Sheriff Troy E. Nehls said.

Around 4:15 a.m. Sunday, a relative requested a welfare check at her son’s residence in the 9200 block of Sabastian Drive, near Highway 6 in the Mission Bend area. The woman stated that she hadn’t heard from her son in several hours, Nehls said.

While conducting the welfare check, officials with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office circled the house, looked through a window and found two people deceased in the kitchen area, Nehls said. They forced their way inside and discovered two more people dead in the home. Deputies also found two dogs shot and killed.

“In this case here, we have a family now that’s gone,” Nehls said. “That’s a say day, it’s a sad day.”

The family has been identified as Ryan Brown, 48, Lynnette Brown, 49, Sam Brown, 16, and Hayes Brown, 13, according to FBCSO. The father appears to have killed his wife, two sons, and two dogs before turning the gun on himself, according to officials.

“This is heartbreaking that an entire family is wiped out from the actions of one person,” Nehls said. “Violence is never the answer and there are people you can call to ask for help. We have a terrific Crisis Intervention Team that is ready at all times to help you or a family member in distress.”

According to Nehls, deputies had never responded to the family’s home before.

“This was a very upset, frustrated person,” he said. “I mean to do this to your entire family. I mean there was something wrong.”

Neighbors who knew the family expressed their shock. They said the family was your average family who would walk their dogs and allow their children to play with other kids in the neighborhood.

“Totally shocked,” said James Tudmoe, a neighbor. “(You) never know what goes on in people’s houses until something like this happens.”

Deputies are talking with the relative who requested the welfare check to learn more about what led up to the shooting.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.