DONNA, Texas – The Donna community is mourning after a heartbreaking act of domestic violence claimed the lives of a husband and wife Wednesday afternoon at a rural day care.
According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 1:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire at a day care on the 1200 block of Stites Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a 26-year-old woman and her 41-year-old estranged husband dead outside the facility.
Sheriff Eddie Guerra confirmed that the incident was a murder-suicide, explaining that the husband had forced his way into the day care after seeing his wife through a window. In a desperate attempt to protect the children inside, the woman ran out the back door, drawing him away from the building. Tragically, he pursued her and shot her multiple times before taking his own life.
“This is a result of domestic violence,” Sheriff Guerra said. “Our victim showed incredible courage in trying to keep the children safe.”
At least five children were present during the shooting but were not injured. Authorities believe the children may have heard the gunfire but did not witness the violence.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident serves as a devastating reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the lasting scars it leaves on families and communities alike.
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