BAYTOWN, Texas – Baytown Police say a man shot and killed his wife on their front lawn moments after police arrived at their home Sunday evening.
Officers said they were responding to a call from the victim, Elva Gonzalez’s, children about an intruder in their home at 1900 Mississippi Street.
When they arrived on the scene, they saw Elva Gonzalez,41, and her husband, El Rey Gonzalez, 39, walking out of the home.
Investigators say when El Rey saw the officers, he pulled out a gun then shot and killed Elva.
Officers fired shots at El Rey, grazing his head. El Rey was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released. He is now in custody in the Baytown Municipal Jail and murder charges are pending, police said.
Elva's children were inside the residence at the time of the incident, a 16-year-old female and a 21-year-old male, both were unharmed.
Officials said the husband and wife were separated but a motive for the shooting is unknown at this time.
On Monday, the suspect’s brother, Dennis Rey Gonzalez, said Elva had been scared of her husband recently.
“She was concerned about him,” Dennis explained, “because he was making threats and posting stuff on Facebook.”
According to Dennis, the couple’s marital problems pushed Gonzalez over the edge.
“It was either have her and her kids or he was going to do this.”
Dennis Gonzalez said Elva was a bright spot in their lives and leaves behind three kids.
“She was a very beautiful woman inside and out. She had a big heart and soul and just loved life.”
The suspect’s brother said Gonzalez has four children of his own.
The case is being investigated by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Baytown Police Department
Homicide Unit and Baytown Police Department Internal Affairs Division.
Records show the suspect has a long list of prior charges, including drug offenses, assault and sexual assault of a child.
