3 Children Killed, 2 Wounded in Ellis County Home; 1 in Custody: Sheriff

Three children were found dead and two others injured inside a home in the Ellis County city of Italy Friday afternoon, sheriff’s deputies say.

Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Cozby said law enforcement officers were first called about 4 p.m. to a home on the 300 block of South Harris Street, near Italy ISD’s Stafford Elementary School.

“Three deceased victims were found inside the home,” Cozby said. “All victims were children. Two children were taken to the hospital. A suspect has been detained in the case.”

Investigators have not yet described the circumstances of the deaths and details on the injured children were not yet known.

Cozby said a person he said was a suspect has been detained in connection with the investigation and there was “no danger to the public at this time.”

Family members told NBC 5 it was the children’s mother who killed them.

“We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why,” a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services spokesman said in a statement to NBC 5.

“I say I love y’all and I would always blow the horn when I see them going to school,” cousin Shamelia Anderson said about the kids who were killed.

Family and community members gathered just a few houses down for a prayer vigil for the community. They pray for peace and understanding.

“I just want everyone to know those are some beautiful angels and love them,” Anderson said. “I know God never makes no mistakes. I just want to say they gained their wings.”

Further details were not immediately available. Cozby said the investigation remains “fluid” and additional details will be made public when they’re available.

“Right now the most important thing is our prayers for those involved,” he said.

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