HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A married couple was found dead inside an apartment in what appears to be a murder-suicide in west Harris County, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
It happened at an apartment complex on Clay Road near North Fry Road and Highway 99.
According to Gonzalez, deputies responded to a welfare check around 4 p.m. at the apartment complex after family members hadn't heard from their loved ones. The married couple, originally from Cuba, had been married for about nine years.
Their bodies were found inside the apartment unit.
"At this point, there was also evidence of the presence of a pistol by all indications, based on evidence and information the family said, it would appear to be a murder-suicide, but that’s all preliminary, as I always say, because we want to let our homicide and CSI detectives be able to gather the information and complete the follow-up investigation at the scene," Sheriff Gonzalez said at a news conference.
Both sides of the family live in the apartment complex. Gonzalez said deputies were told by the family that the marriage was very "troubled" and "explosive."
"In fact, they said last night they had a very explosive argument that occurred," Gonzalez said.
The wife, 52, had gone to live with a cousin a while back during a fight with her husband, 48.
Gonzalez said the wife got her own unit at the apartment and when the husband and wife decided to try and reconcile, he moved into the unit
"The family very well knows that they have had a really just troubled marriage and so unfortunately as we see so much intimate partner violence, domestic violence, it sometimes unfortunately leads to fatal outcomes, so we always stress the importance of seeking resources and help," Gonzalez said.
Both bodies were found with gunshot wounds.
“Just based on the initial, cursory look when they made the discovery, based on the trauma to the body and the pistol, location of the pistol, you know the bodies the way they landed, it’s just very consistent with it being a murder-suicide," Gonzalez said.
Authorities believe the husband killed the wife and then turned the gun on himself.
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.