Authorities in Texas said a 46-year-old man shot and killed his estranged wife and three of her relatives after she refused his request for a reconciliation. According to FOX 26 Houston, the man, identified as Alrick “Shawn” Alphanso Barrett, later turned the gun on himself after killing the victims.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said the murder-suicide incident occurred at a home in Cory Cornel Lane on January 13. Sheriff Eric Fagan said deputies who responded to the scene found a minor and a grandmother who told them a relative fatally shot other family members. Responding deputies also found two children and an adult who hid when the gunman opened fire.
Besides killing his 44-year-old estranged wife, Barrett also fatally shot the deceased victim’s brother-in-law, her sister-in-law, and her 8-year-old niece. He later turned the gun on himself.
Fagan said Barrett came to the home to return a minor who had visited him. The grandmother was going inside with the child when Barrett tried to enter the house, authorities said, adding that she allowed him in as she had no idea about his motive.
After meeting his ex-wife inside the house, Barrett told her he wanted them to reconcile. But she refused, leading him to go on the shooting spree.
“Our community stands united against such acts, and we are committed to providing support and resources to victims during these challenging times. I extend my deepest sympathies to this family and to those who have been affected by domestic violence,” said Fagan.
