Texas shooting: 5 killed as man guns down wife, 2 children, hospital worker and beauty queen
MCGREGOR, TEXAS: An unidentified man shot dead five people, including his wife and their two children, on Thursday, September 29, in McGregor, Texas. The man was reportedly shot by McGregor police before being taken into custody and sent to the hospital.
Lori and Natalie Aviles were two of the victims of the murderous spree, according to many family members who posted pictures and condolences online. “A coward with a gun took my sister and beautiful niece’s lives just for being outside of their own home,” Lori’s brother Leon Olvera shared on Facebook. “This feels like a bad dream but our family is strong and we will remain strong for you sis. I’m just broken right now because I’ll never see you guys beautiful smiles again.”
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Lori was a hospital worker and Natalie, a 2019 Miss McGregor. “I am still in shock and disbelief,” wrote Ashley Sanchez over her aunt and cousin’s death on Facebook. “They did not deserve to have this happen to them and I’ll never understand why. Two people that loved God, their family, and friends. Natalie was a beautiful young girl, full of life, following her dreams of becoming a doctor…always had a smile on her face. Lori was a beautiful and amazing woman that has achieved much in her life and was great at loving and taking care of those around her, especially at the hospital where she worked.”
The only information the police provided during a press conference was that a gun was used in the incident. Details about the case are kept hidden for security reasons. According to the police, the identities of the deceased cannot be made public until the family has been appropriately notified. "It's over but, of course, we want the successful healing of the community," said MPD in a statement. "This is tragic news to actually have to give out. It is not something that I looked forward to when I went in to work this morning,” he continued.
Due to this horrific shooting, local varsity games have been called off along with increased patrolling of cops in the vicinity by the McGregor Police Department. Additionally, counselors are present on various campuses after word of the situation reached the local schools. "In light of today’s events, and out of respect for the victims, all MISD activities, including the JH pep rally and all JH & sub-varsity games, have been canceled," said the McGregor Independent School District in a statement.
Residents in the neighborhood reported hearing gunfire and MISD informed parents and employees of the occurrence. "Rumors abound about what appears to be a horrific tragedy in our community," said McGregor ISD Superintendent James Lenamon in a message as reported by The Sun. "There was a domestic disturbance that resulted in a shooting in McGregor this morning. As a result of that shooing, MISD 'locked down' for about 15 minutes. Once we received an all-clear from MPD, the lockdown was lifted,” the message confirmed.