A 42-year-old Texas woman, Colleen Nichole Lemmon has been charged with two counts of capital murder after authorities alleged that she shot her two sons inside their home before apparently injuring herself.
Lemmon was arrested following the deaths of 21-year-old Christopher Scott Pitre and his 15-year-old brother in Waxahachie, Texas.
According to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Big Sky Drive shortly before 4:15 a.m. on Thursday after receiving a report of an “
unknown emergency.
Upon arrival, officers found both brothers with gunshot wounds inside the house.
Christopher was pronounced dead at the scene, while his younger brother was taken to hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries.
Lemmon was also found injured at the residence and was taken to hospital for treatment before being arrested.
An arrest affidavit cited in local reports stated that Lemmon was covered in blood and had what appeared to be self-inflicted cuts on her wrists. A handgun was also reportedly found nearby.
Authorities said evidence recovered from the residence gave investigators probable cause to believe that Lemmon had shot both of her sons.
According to the affidavit, Lemmon allegedly told responding officers, “I shot both my kids.”
The father of the victims, Scott Pitre, said his younger son had only recently celebrated his 15th birthday, adding that he wanted justice for his children.
A neighbour, Ida Brown, described the incident as heartbreaking and said she was praying for the family.
Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman also expressed sympathy to the victims’ relatives.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident,” Norman said.
“They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Lemmon is being held on a $2.5m bond.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing.