Five people were killed Thursday during a domestic violence rampage in McGregor, Texas, according to police.
Law enforcement responded to a call at the Central Texas home at roughly 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning and were met with gunfire from the suspect, McGregor Mayor Jimmy Hering said to KCEN. Officers on the scene returned fire, shooting and wounding the suspect who is currently in hospital, according to the New York Post.
Officers were met with destruction at the home, with one woman dead outside and another killed inside the property, KWTX reported. Reports also suggest the alleged killer shot his wife and two children at another nearby home.
Only two of the victims have been identified thus far as Natalie and Lori Aviles by relatives who sent tributes on social media.
“A coward with a gun took my sister and beautiful niece’s lives just for being outside of their own home,” Leon Olvera, a relative, said on social media. “This feels like a bad dream but our family is strong and we will remain strong for you sis. I’m just broken right now because I’ll never see you guys beautiful smiles again.” (RELATED: ‘Manipulated And Groomed’: Retired Green Beret Explains Why So Many Women Go Missing)
McGregor Superintendent James Lenamon placed schools in the jurisdiction on a brief lockdown of about 15 minutes, KCEN continued. Troy Independent School District also said all middle school, freshman, and junior varsity basketball games were canceled Thursday.