Search Results for: Texas

Texas man kills wife in murder-suicide attempt after marriage troubles

Longview, TX A Texas man faces murder charges after allegedly shooting his wife and attempting suicide. Lavan Bullock, 66, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of 62-year-old Kathleen Bullock.

The Longview Police Department received a welfare check call on Wednesday afternoon regarding the couple’s home. Officers found Kathleen Bullock deceased from a gunshot wound inside a bathroom.

Court documents indicate Lavan Bullock confessed to the murder in a text message, stating he “lost [his] mind” and shot his wife.

Following his arrest, Lavan Bullock was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries before being booked into the Gregg County Jail.

Documents reveal he texted a friend after the incident, stating he took 30 sleeping pills in an attempt to end his life.

In the communication, Lavan Bullock attributed the shooting to years of abuse from his wife.

According to reports, Kathleen Bullock had asked for a divorce a month prior to the shooting, heightening tensions between the couple.

Neighbors reported Lavan Bullock expressed suspicions of infidelity involving his wife.

In his texts, Lavan Bullock instructed his friend to contact a preacher and urged caution for the couple’s daughter, writing, “Thank you my friend! I’m so sorry to end it this way!”

A judge set his bond at $1 million during a September arraignment. He remains in custody at the Gregg County Jail.

Texas woman pleads guilty to murder of infant daughter after brutal attack

Mathis, TX A Texas woman has pleaded guilty to the murder of her infant daughter in a tragic case that unfolded in December. Olivia Munoz, 22, admitted to the killing and to injuring the child with intent to inflict severe harm.

The incident occurred on December 19 when emergency services were called to Munoz’s home on South Marigold Street. Upon arrival, responders found her 7-month-old daughter, Hazel Munoz, unresponsive and not breathing.

Despite attempts to revive Hazel through CPR, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital. Munoz contacted police after reportedly discovering her daughter not breathing, leading to a 911 call made by a family member.

In the aftermath of the incident, hospital officials reported multiple injuries to the child, prompting law enforcement to conduct an investigation. During questioning, Munoz confessed to inflicting harm on her daughter on three separate occasions, acknowledging she did not seek medical attention for the child afterward.

The autopsy revealed extensive injuries, including multiple fractures, which ultimately led to the determination of homicide. Following the investigation, Munoz was initially arrested on two counts of injury to a child, but charges evolved to include murder after the autopsy findings were reviewed.

She faced two counts of capital murder and one count of injury to a child in the state’s 343rd District Court. A psychiatric evaluation was requested as part of the legal proceedings.

In mid-October, Munoz accepted a plea deal, which resulted in a guilty plea for two charges. Under this arrangement, she faces a life sentence for her actions.

Formal sentencing has yet to be scheduled, according to officials.

Texas police seek suspect in deadly home invasion shooting

Dallas, TX

A man is being sought in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred during a home invasion. The victim, Juvenal Antero, was fatally shot in front of his wife and young son.

Antero attempted to protect his family during the incident, which took place at his apartment on December 30. Elizabel Cardenas, Antero’s wife, described her husband’s last moments after he was wounded.

The Dallas Police Department identified Arnold Sustaita Zapata, 26, as a suspect and are also searching for two additional assailants. The shooting has prompted concerns due to its brazen nature occurring in the victim’s own home.

According to police reports, the incident began around 2:40 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the location in Pleasant Grove. Upon arrival, they discovered Antero suffering from multiple gunshot wounds after he confronted three men entering his residence.

Cardenas recounted the chilling moments when she answered the door to find the men asking for help. They claimed they needed a plunger, which allowed them to force entry into the home.

One of the intruders pointed a gun at their four-year-old son, which prompted Antero to step in front to shield his child. Following the confrontation, Antero managed to return fire but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Cardenas, currently pregnant with their second child, shared the emotional toll the incident has taken on their family. She expressed her heartbreak over welcoming a new baby without a father present.

This tragic event underscores the critical need for community assistance as police continue their investigation. Anyone with information regarding Zapata’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS.

Texas woman runs down husband in fatal argument

Pasadena, TX A woman is in custody after allegedly running over her husband during a dispute. Alina Gonzalez-Morelos, 37, faces a murder charge following the death of Leonardo Mendoza, 42.

The incident occurred near a Pizza Hut at Red Bluff Road and Deepwater Avenue. Officers responded early Sunday morning to a call about a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.

A 911 caller reported a black Chevrolet Tahoe hit the man and left the scene. Mendoza suffered serious injuries and was transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, where he later died from his injuries.

According to law enforcement, Gonzalez-Morelos and Mendoza were involved in a verbal argument shortly before the incident. After leaving their residence on foot, Mendoza was allegedly struck by his wife.

Reports indicate the argument was related to a text message, but specific details remain unavailable. Gonzalez-Morelos allegedly admitted to driving her SUV onto the sidewalk and hitting her husband, stating she “accelerated” before the collision.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has taken over the case, and Gonzalez-Morelos is being held for transport to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.

Texas man gets life for brutal murders of girlfriend and daughter

Laredo, TX A Texas man received a life sentence for murdering his girlfriend and her daughter. Rene Mendez was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of 40-year-old Sylvia Ramos and 19-year-old Brianna Ramos.

A jury delivered the verdict on Friday and a judge subsequently sentenced him without the possibility of parole. The events leading to the murders began on March 6, when the brother of Sylvia Ramos alerted a Laredo police officer, shouting that his sister had been killed.

Police arrived at an apartment on Lomas Del Sur Blvd and found both victims deceased. Mendez was discovered later that day at a nearby Motel 6 after a reported drug overdose.

An investigation revealed that Mendez stabbed Sylvia Ramos 55 times, primarily in the neck, after first killing her daughter, Brianna, by strangulation. According to court records, he left the apartment to socialize with a friend, who reported that Mendez appeared normal during their time together.

Hours later, Mendez returned to the apartment, where he attacked Sylvia with a pocket knife upon her arrival. Assistant District Attorney Kassandra de Hoyos described the scene during the trial, highlighting Mendez’s actions after the murders.

Prosecutors stated that Mendez stole Sylvia’s bank card, withdrew $500, and purchased drugs. He reportedly consumed a combination of pills, cocaine, and alcohol in a suicide attempt after the killings.

De Hoyos emphasized the lack of justification for the murders, stating that addiction did not cause the violence against Sylvia and Brianna. The trial concluded with the jury’s decision, sealing Mendez’s fate for life in prison.

North Texas man arrested after wife’s body is found, linked to suspicious incident

Alvarado, TX A 26-year-old man is in custody after the discovery of his wife’s body inside their home. Brandon Ashley faces charges of murder and interference with official duty, as reported by the Alvarado Police Department.

Officers responded to a report of domestic violence at the couple’s residence on Magnolia Street last week. Upon arrival, Ashley allegedly threatened to harm himself before being arrested for a minor offense.

His wife, Chelsea Spillers, 33, posted bail for him shortly thereafter. Later, a welfare check on Spillers led to the discovery of her body, believed to be the result of blunt force trauma.

Initially labeled as a “suspicious death,” a warrant for Ashley’s arrest was issued shortly after investigators learned more about the circumstances. An extensive manhunt then took place, spanning several counties.

On Sunday night, multiple calls were made regarding a shirtless man reported on a rural property in Bedias. Ashley was subsequently located at Smiley’s, a local truck stop, where law enforcement arrested him on Monday morning.

After his arrest, police discovered he was wanted for murder in connection with Spillers’ death. The investigation is still ongoing, and no motive has been disclosed.

Spillers was a respected biology and chemistry teacher, and her passing has drawn tributes from the local community. Students at Alvarado High School have honored her with ribbons in her memory.

Ashley remains in custody and is awaiting extradition back to Johnson County.