Authorities in Texas said a man fatally shot his ex-girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. According to KHOU, the fatal incident occurred in a neighborhood in southwest Harris County on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Tamara Sawyer, was said to be inside the home with her current boyfriend when her former partner shot and killed her. Investigators said the 22-year-old gunman had earlier gotten in touch with Sawyer before he later went to her home in the afternoon.
Family members who were also in the home at the time of the incident said that the deceased gunman opened fire on his ex-girlfriend after they entered her bedroom. After hearing the sound of gunshots, Sawyer’s relatives went to her bedroom to ascertain what had happened. They noticed the victim had been shot and the male suspect was still armed.
The victim’s relatives also told investigators that more gunshots rang out as they made attempts to call 911. Authorities who later responded to the scene found the lifeless bodies of the two individuals in the bedroom.
Authorities said Sawyer and her ex had been dating since high school, and their relationship was on-and-off. The deceased victim was a nursing student. And her family also said that the two parted ways about a month before the fatal encounter, KHOU reported. They added that nothing showed their relationship was abusive.
Domestic violence cases in Houston have reportedly spiraled at a shocking rate. But victims do not seek help because they feel afraid, helpless, or embarrassed.