A Texas mother is facing capital murder charges after allegedly shooting her two sons before appearing to harm herself, authorities said.
Colleen Nichole Lemmon, 42, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of capital murder, according to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said they received a call about an “unknown emergency” just before 4:15 a.m. Thursday on Big Sky Drive in Waxahachie.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds inside the residence.
Christopher Scott Pitre, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
Deputies said they also found Lemmon suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
Evidence recovered during the investigation gave law enforcement probable cause to believe Lemmon was responsible for shooting both of her children.
Deputies found Lemmon covered in blood with what appeared to be self-inflicted lacerations on her wrists and a handgun nearby, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4.
Lemmon allegedly told officers, “I shot both my kids.”
She was arrested and transported to a local hospital for treatment, authorities said.
Scott Pitre, the boys’ father, told NBC 5 that his younger son had recently celebrated his 15th birthday. He said he wants justice for his sons.
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Ida Brown, a neighbor, described the killings as “heartbreaking.”
“It’s heartbreaking, and I’m praying for them,” she told FOX 4.
Sheriff Brad Norman offered his condolences to the family.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident,” Norman said in a statement. “They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Lemmon is being held on a $2.5 million bond.
