HOUSTON – An autopsy report released Tuesday shows that three out of the four family members who were found dead in a burning home in southwest Houston on Sunday died from apparent gunshot wounds.
According to the autopsy, two of the family members died from a gunshot wound to the head and another from a gunshot wound to the head and neck. The fourth member’s cause of death was not listed.
At approximately 8:10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5, fire crews with the Houston Fire Department were dispatched to a residence in the 7500 block of Imogene Street in response to reports of a house fire. Officials said firefighters put the fire out shortly after arriving.
During a search of the home, firefighters found 37-year-old Jairo Escaño, 44-year-old, Elvira Escaño, 13-year-old Isabelle Escaño and 10-year-old Jairo Escaño Jr dead inside. The victims were identified by family members.
Sister-in-law shares photo of parents and two children found dead with gunshot wounds in a house police say was set on fire yesterday morning. Their story at 4 & 5. pic.twitter.com/gyB7VPg9p9
— Deven Clarke (@KPRC2Deven) September 6, 2021
Investigators believe the deaths were the result of a domestic violence incident as there were no signs of forced entry into the home.
“When anybody dies in our city, it upsets us,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said. “But when it’s innocent kids, it’s even more upsetting.”
The Houston Fire Department said that despite the damage from the fire, they believe investigators will still be able to collect evidence.
Family members, friends and neighbors gathered for a vigil outside the home on Monday night.
“Just a hard-working family,” said Paulina Moreno, Jairo’s sister-in-law.
She said relatives are struggling to make sense of what happened.
“They’re still in shock,” Moreno said. “They can’t believe it.”
There is a GoFundMe set up to help with funeral arrangements.
Houston police provided preliminary information during a news conference at 11 a.m. Sunday. Watch the briefing in its entirety below.