HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man shot and killed two men late Friday night before turning the gun on himself in a domestic violence situation, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
This happened around 11 p.m. on South Spicewood Lane, which is off of John Ralston Road north of Beaumont Highway.
The sheriff's office said there was some type of incident between a woman and her live-in boyfriend at their home when she fled the house with her two teenage sons. She went to a neighbor's house where authorities said the boyfriend followed her.
At the neighbor's house, three men, all brothers, came outside and tried to intervene in the dispute. That's when HCSO said the man opened fire, killing two of the brothers.
The third brother returned fire and the shooter returned to his home, where authorities say he shot and killed himself.
The woman, two teenage children, and the third brother were not physically hurt in the shooting. HCSO said they are all cooperating with the investigation.
HCSO could not identify any of the people involved, but said the two brothers who were killed were from Guatemala and were ages 50 and 30, respectively. The shooter was believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
The sheriff's office said there was a family violence call at the home a few days before the deadly shooting.
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.