A Texas mother has been charged with two counts of capital murder after authorities say she shot her two sons at their home in Waxahachie, a city south of Dallas, before apparently harming herself.
Colleen Nichole Lemmon, 42, was taken into custody following the early-morning shooting, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies responded to a call about an unknown emergency shortly before 4:15 a.m. Thursday on Big Sky Drive and found two male victims with gunshot wounds inside the residence.
Christopher Scott Pitre, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a 15-year-old boy, was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died, authorities said. The younger boy had recently celebrated his 15th birthday, according to Scott Pitre, the boys' father, who told NBC 5 that he wants justice for his sons.
Deputies also found Lemmon suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4, she was covered in blood with what appeared to be self-inflicted lacerations on her wrists and a handgun nearby. Lemmon allegedly told officers, «I shot both my kids.»
Evidence recovered during the investigation gave law enforcement probable cause to believe Lemmon was responsible for shooting both of her children, the sheriff's office said. She was arrested and transported to a local hospital for treatment. She is being held on a $2.5 million bond.
Sheriff Brad Norman offered condolences to the family. «My deepest sympathies go out to the victims' father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident,» Norman said in a statement. «They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.»
Ida Brown, a neighbor, described the killings as «heartbreaking.» «It's heartbreaking, and I'm praying for them,» she told FOX 4.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive. Capital murder charges in Texas can carry the death penalty or life in prison without parole, depending on the circumstances and the prosecution's decision.
The deaths have shaken the Waxahachie community, where neighbors gathered near the home as news of the shooting spread. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office has asked anyone with information to contact investigators.