HOUSTON — A man shot and killed his wife on Christmas Day before turning the gun on himself, leaving three young sisters without their parents, according to Houston police.
This happened just after 10:15 p.m. on Grasilla Drive in a neighborhood south of Highway 90.
According to police, the man, 43, and the woman, 34, were found dead inside an upstairs bedroom inside their home. Investigators believe the man shot the woman several times before killing himself.
The couple’s three girls, who range in age from 6 to 14 years old, were home at the time, police said. One of them told investigators she heard her parents arguing and then several gunshots.
Fortunately, none of the children were injured.
“The current information we have, it appears to be a murder-suicide at this time,” HPD Lt. JP Horelica said.
Though police have not released the identities of the man and woman, the family told KHOU 11 that the couple is Roberto and Fanny Hernandez.
Neighbors like Patricia Bernardez can't believe what happened inside the home considered to be the Hernandez family's "happy place."
"I’m still, like, 'oh my God, I can’t believe it.'" said Bernardez. "I don’t know what was going on in their mind, or something like that, to leave those kids alone."
“I really wish them peace," said another neighbor. "I definitely am going to be praying for them because that’s very tragic."
The three young girls are staying with relatives until a permanent home can be determined. While covering the story, reporter Jason Miles saw one of the girls return to her home to get some of her things.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.