SIX MEMBERS OF a Texas family apparently opened Christmas presents just before a relative dressed as Santa Claus showed up, opened fire and killed them before killing himself, police said today.
Grapevine police spokesman Sergeant Robert Eberling said the shooter showed up in the Santa outfit shortly before gunfire erupted. He was a member of the family, confirmed Eberling.
The identity of the shooter and the victims will be released after autopsies are conducted later today.
Police went to the apartment midday on Christmas Day after receiving a 911 call in which no one was on the other line. They found four women and three men, aged 18 to 60, dead. A motive for the shootings remains unclear.
Investigators worked overnight, meticulously searching the apartment and three vehicles which were parked nearby.
“It appears they had just celebrated Christmas. They had opened their gifts,” Sgt. Eberling told membeers of the press, adding that the apartment was decorated for the holiday.
Two handguns were found near the bodies, and it appears all died of gunshot wounds, he said.
Grapevine Police Lt. Todd Dearing said investigators believe that the victims were related, though some were visiting and didn’t live in the apartment. He said police are looking for other relatives to inform them of the deaths.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say