HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Deputies are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide involving two brothers in north Harris County early Monday morning, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The sheriff said one of the brothers, age 22, who suffers from mental health issues, shot his older brother, 24, who has autism, before turning the gun on himself.
The sheriff posted about the deadly shooting at 4:30 a.m. It happened at an apartment complex on Ella Boulevard near West Airtex Boulevard.
When deputies arrived at the apartment, they found two men with gunshot wounds. Both were confirmed dead at the scene.
Investigators said the two brothers lived at the apartment with their mother. She was asleep and heard a commotion in their room.
The mother broke down the door and found both her sons dead, investigators said.
Investigators said deputies had responded to the scene before for disturbances and mental health incidents.
The mother was briefly hospitalized due to a panic attack, deputies said.
Resources for suicide prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.