HPD: Couple found dead in murder-suicide may have planned it

HOUSTON — A couple married for 25 years was found shot to death Wednesday at a home in northwest Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said the shooting is a suspected murder-suicide. They believe the couple agreed to it. 

This happened around 6:30 a.m. at a home on Triway Lane near Hammerly Boulevard and Gessner Road.

Police found the couple dead after a family member requested a welfare check. The family member told police the couple was having suicidal thoughts. 

Investigators said evidence pointed to the man killing his wife and then shooting himself, but notes were found next to the couple, leaving investigators to believe they “may have come together on this decision.”

This is the fourth murder-suicide reported in the Houston area in the last month. 

The most recent one was Sunday when four people were killed in what appears to be a murder-suicide shooting in Galena Park, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. 

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.

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.

For LGBTQ mental health support, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255 or texting 741741.