‘No words’: Estranged husband shot, killed wife, 4-year-old daughter, mother-in-law before turning gun on himself, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY – Four people, including one child, were found shot to death inside a northwest Harris County home Thursday morning, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said in a Thursday news conference that the bodies of a man, his wife, the man’s mother-in-law, and the couple’s 4-year-old daughter were discovered inside an apartment located in the 9700 block of Cypresswood Drive. around 7 a.m.

Gonzalez said the former couple was “going through divorce proceedings,” along with several domestic-related issues in the recent months.

Allegations made by neighbors said that the husband, who was apparently seen around the complex several times, recently tried to drown his four-year-old daughter. He also had slashed the tires of his wife’s car, according to Gonzalez.

“Very tragic situation, especially if it involves a 4-year-old,” Gonzalez said. “It just breaks your heart.”

Preliminary information suggests that the wife and daughter were heading out to work and school when they encountered the husband, who began firing.

After the man fatally shot the members of his family, he then turned the gun on himself. A semi-automatic pistol was found next to his body.

“No words to think...why take the lives of a mother-in-law, a child of all people? We just can’t fathom, but we see it far too often,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez went on to say that the man appeared to be on a mission to harm his family.

“The opportunity was at hand and he carried it out,” the sheriff said.