Climbing on top of a roof is where police found a 35-year-old man accused of killing a mother and beating her three children.
Roderick Spradley said he has seen police at the family’s home off Enyart Street in the past.
“Before this incident, maybe a week and a half or two weeks ago,” said Spradley.
According to HPD, in the past six months, officers responded to the home three separate times for disturbance calls.
RELATED: Man arrested after woman found shot to death, 3 kids beaten in southeast Houston home
Spradley said he expressed his concerns to officers.
“I told them before they left, I said officers, if someone doesn’t do something soon, you need to call the domestic violence center and get somebody to come out. Sooner than later, something bad is going to happen,” said Spradley.
Neighbors heard the gunshots before 1:30 p.m. Friday. HPD said two of the children managed to escape the home.
They ran about a block away to a neighbor’s house. The neighbor’s surveillance video captured the children running up to the home. KPRC 2 did not broadcast the video, due to the nature of the crime.
The neighbor said she was grateful she was home to call 911.
“They were seriously hurt and if it wasn’t for me, they wouldn’t be here today,” Spradley said.
When police arrived, they said one of the children told officers their father shot their mother. Police found her body inside the home with multiple gunshot wounds.
A young child, between 3-4 years old, was found seriously hurt. the other two children also had injuries, indicating that they were beaten.
Spradley said he always tried to keep an eye out for the children.
“I wanted them to know, you know, I’m right here for you,” said Spradley.
Amy Smith with Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council says domestic violence hotlines tend to see more calls during the holiday season.
“Part of the reason is, is there’s so much additional stress around the holiday season. You have the financial stress of, you know, buying Christmas, buying holiday presents, buying Christmas presents,” said Smith.
This time of year, abusers typically spend more time alone with their victims than any other time of the year.
“If you feel that someone is in a situation, maybe take them aside and let them know that there’s available resources, that there’s help that’s out there. Listen to them. Believe them and support them,” said Smith.
In an effort to help victims, KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help. Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Breaking Free: The state of domestic violence in Texas
Breaking Free - What is emotional and psychological abuse?
Breaking Free: Helping African Americans de-stigmatize abuse, learn to ask the right questions
Breaking Free: The red flags of an abusive relationship and tips on how to leave
Breaking Free from Domestic Violence: Far too many cases to count in Harris County
Breaking Free: Ways loved ones can support domestic violence victims
Do you need help? Free Domestic Violence Resources
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.