Crime

Police: Gunman in Tragic Texas Murder-Suicide That Killed 7 Dressed as Santa

Grapevine Texas Christmas Gunman Dressed as Santa Claus

GRAPEVINE, Texas (The Blaze/AP) — 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 Monday.

Grapevine police spokesman Sgt. Robert Eberling said the shooter showed up in the Santa outfit shortly before gunfire erupted and was a member of the family. The identity of the shooter and the victims will be released after autopsies are conducted Monday, he said.

Police went to the apartment midday Sunday 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, along with three vehicles parked outside.

“It appears they had just celebrated Christmas. They had opened their gifts,” Grapevine Police Sgt. Robert Eberling said Sunday, adding that the apartment was decorated for the holiday, including a tree.

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 of the deaths.

ABC News provides a report: 

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“Seven people in one setting in Grapevine, that’s never happened before. Ever,” Dearing said.

Police and firefighters first rushed to the Lincoln Vineyards complex after receiving the open-ended 911 call at about 11:30 a.m., Eberling said.

“There was an open line. No one was saying anything,” he explained.

So police went into the apartment, located in the middle-class neighborhood of Grapevine, not far from the upscale Fort Worth suburb of Colleyville. The apartment was at the back of the complex, overlooking the athletic fields of Colleyville Heritage High School.

Many of the nearby apartments are vacant, and police said no neighbors reported hearing anything on a quiet Christmas morning when many people were not around.

Jose Fernandez, a 35-year-old heavy equipment mechanic who moved to the complex with his family about six months ago, said he always felt safe in the area, but is now afraid to let his 10-year-old son play freely outside.

“This is really outrageous especially on Christmas,” said Fernandez, who was visiting family for the holiday and returned to find several police cars parked outside his home.

“This has shocked everybody. It has scared everybody. I guess something like this can happen anywhere, but seven people dead. It’s just very scary,” he added.

Eberling agreed the area is fairly quiet, saying the shootings involved the first homicides in Grapevine since 2010.

Christy Posch, a flight attendant who moved to the complex about six months ago so her son could attend the high school, said she lives a few buildings away and did not hear any gunshots.

“It’s all families. That’s why I moved here. No burglaries, no nothing,” Posch said.

Comments (53)

  • Krazy_Kreepy_Ketchup
    Posted on December 27, 2011 at 3:50pm

    Here is the story – the guy is muslim (not kidding), dressed as Santa and “honor killed” his family. Why is THIS not being mentioned?

    http://www.jihadwatch.org/2011/12/islamic-honor-killing-in-texas-man-who-murdered-family-on-christmas-morning-was-muslim-who-disliked.html

    THANKS BLAZE FOR THE IMPORTANT NEWS

    Report Post » Krazy_Kreepy_Ketchup  
    • Babeuf
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 5:53pm

      I agree with you. The Blaze just isn’t what it use to be. Now it’s all about bashing Newt or Paul to help Bachmann, Romney (the REAL Progressive) or Santorum rise in the Polls.

      Report Post » Babeuf  
    • deano24
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 9:26pm

      Sounds like the same thing that happened in Canada back in October.

      http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/muslim-honour-killing-in-canada-three-daughters-first-wife-murdered-by-father-2nd-wife-son/

      Report Post » deano24  
    • Aeryn
      Posted on December 28, 2011 at 1:15am

      I just logged in to post this same information. Also, sent it to the tip line earlier. No media is stating what really happened because it is a Muslim and an honor killing. The police just keep saying no motive can be determined, that it just doesn’t make sense to them. They know exactly what happened. There are just too many agencies, federal and local, intentionally deceiving the public.

      Report Post »  
    • Shelby2012
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 6:08am

      Muslims are people too. I don’t see how the family being Muslim makes a difference. The loss of human life is still tragic. If they wanted to die then so be it but everyone needs to stop acting and speaking purely on emotion. At the end of the day this is tragic. Muslims or not.

      Report Post » Shelby2012  
  • Bodysnatcher
    Posted on December 27, 2011 at 5:06am

    Holyday Season a time with family and friends to get together.

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on December 27, 2011 at 1:29am

    Of the muslim faith celebrating Christmas as a cultural holiday. Trying to assimilate.
    Originally from Iran.
    12:29 am CST

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • NothingToLose
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 11:26pm

    Yazdanpanah, Iranian?
    house forclosed one year ago.
    financial problem.
    daughter dated for a long time, only found out by family recently.
    parents divorced. these are bits of info coming out, I think face-saving and honor killing and general disregard of females lead to this tragedy.

    Report Post »  
  • christospalmer
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:52pm

    Sad on this special day that should have been so joyous.

    Report Post » christospalmer  
  • waspanglosaxon
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 8:53pm

    I only wanna know one thing: was the killer Black or Hisp?

    Report Post » waspanglosaxon  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 7:45pm

    Yazdanpanah family.
    6:45 pm CST.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • King Troy
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 6:56pm

    whites?

    Report Post » King Troy  
  • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 6:46pm

    They need to start checking the shooter’s facebook page. Family squabbles seem to get aired on Facebook.

    Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 4:51pm

    So sad, so much anger, mental illness and evil in the world. Where is anyone safe anymore? “and the times they are a’ changing”. For worse, for sure. God bless those who are left to “notify”.

    Report Post »  
    • toto
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 6:46pm

      It all revolves around the entitlement ethic. “I’m entitled to have my way, and if I can’t, well then I will kill us all” without any regard for the wants and needs of others. It’s really as simple as that.

      Report Post »  
  • dvwrld
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 4:30pm

    I guess it is time to outlaw Santa!

    Report Post » dvwrld  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 6:51pm

      Wait until the wicked witch shows up on halloween. OMG…

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 2:33pm

    God, hold the innocent loved ones in your arms for comfort…. No one will pass into Heaven without being judged. “Life is short, eternity is forever”

    Report Post »  
  • HigherRoad
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:23pm

    I cannot remember a Christmas with more violence and blasphemous activities than this one! Yes, there have been squabbles over limited store items in the past, but this year, the shoppers are vicious! This shooting is just another indication that when we deny God and say “American isn’t a Christian country,” God will remove His hand of protection and blessing, saying: “Have it your own way!”

    Report Post »  
    • missaudrey
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Amen! It’s happened over and over in the Bible. You‘d think we’d learn…..

      Report Post »  
    • c.foster4722
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:49pm

      Thank you ser you hit nail right on the head!! Having said that, How many more chances do think the lord god will give us to get it right? Or is this the straw that will break the hart of america?

      Report Post »  
    • Uranium Wedge
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 2:11pm

      People suck!

      Report Post » Uranium Wedge  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Its not that he is removing his hand from our lives, its is us removing his hand from our tiny shoulders. We need his guidance and love more than ever, but when we reject him, we open doors for evil to ruch in and fill the void that his presence once filled but is denied by us. Its on us.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • Nemo13
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 4:43pm

      God had nothing to do with this. A crazy person did. Why is it every time there is a tragedy, the kooky start going on about how God has abandoned the decent and wise? Get a grip. For once.

      Report Post »  
    • 1776freedomofspeech
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 7:04pm

      @HIGHERROAD and the repliers to HigherRoad

      Each of you have a valid point. I think we are all upset by this tragedy and the good in each of you shows through.

      Help your fellow Americans when you can.

      Report Post » 1776freedomofspeech  
    • Yeah_Buddy
      Posted on December 28, 2011 at 12:25pm

      yeah, well when you get the president saying america is not a christian nation, what can you expect with no moral compass. very sad christmas this year indeed.

      Report Post »  
  • noland
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:20pm

    what a horrendous sight that must of been for those police officers and parametics,and ya think that didnt effect thier Christmas. They need lots of prayer.And all involved.

    Report Post »  
    • BlesstheJews
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:33pm

      Good point about the police and paramedics. It was nice of you to think of them!

      Report Post »  
    • ncgrammie4
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 2:54pm

      I have a nephew who is a CSI police officer. He never has a peaceful holiday. He has seen all types of crime scenes, but the children seem to get to him the most. Thank goodness he has never had anything like this to investigate.

      Report Post »  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:17pm

    Its the old story. To many rats in a cage, they go nuts on each other. To many people not enough jobs, people go goofy. Thats just the way it is. We all know what it will take to fix the problem. Bring the jobs back home, kick out all political office holders and get your a-ses out of the Bars and back in the churches. Thats my suggestion, Hopefully you’ll have a better one. CARRY ON McDUFF p.s. HAPPY NEW YEAR

    Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:56pm

      i agree millions of families under extreme financial duress …the progressives bear some responsibility for all the suicides and these tragic murders…Barry’s spreading the wealth;but he’s stealing it from middle class America.

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Why do men feel it is necessary to take others out with them? Is this a disease that dwells in men who get suicidal; because I am miserable I will make those who that are happy around me miserable too? Is it because they don’t want to die alone, that they take others out with them. You do not see women do this and I am sure women can get just as depressed as men.

    I just don’t understand what makes a person do this. God rest the souls of those he took and please send him to the bowls of hell and alone where he belongs. Let him look up and see the family members he took in God’s arms and may he look around to see he still died alone. Yes heartless, but I am when it comes to these types. They will get their just rewardl— NOTHING.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • RollyBones
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Women are just as likely to take out family members as men are. Maybe a rarer occurrence but not just a male thing and does happen! We don’t know yet what the assailant had in his mind and might never know. He may not even be a family member. We have to wait and see!

      Rolly

      Report Post » RollyBones  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:53pm

      How many mothers drive their cars into lakes with their kids stapped in car seats? How about the Tampa woman that killed her kids for being disobediant? It’s all tradgic.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • knighttemplar999
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:00pm

      Why do so many women kill their children? Usually they are too cowardly to kill themselves also, they just blame it on the random black man.

      Report Post »  
    • Ireland1775
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:18pm

      Or the women that kill kids usually blame it on god. just sayn. Men do it because they are ******** and angry.

      Report Post »  
    • Chappy123
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 2:13pm

      @ knighttemplar999,

      didnt take long for someone like you to bring race into this tragedy. Shame on you.,

      Report Post »  
    • caveman74
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 3:20pm

      by men I think he meant mankind

      Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 3:24pm

      Hey! Men have been miserable before like during the Great Depression and they were very much well armed, they did not rampage then. Whats the difference. The difference is an egotistcal self centered generation who says if I’m not having fun no one will and kabluey they explode. Women wreck their own homes but in a different way, its called divorce for no apparant reason other than they are looking around and not feelin it, so they inturn blow up their own homes but the difference is the dead and injured have to walk around alive in misery.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:45pm

    Santa joined the hottest trend of the year by delivering ammunition gifts.

    TEA

    Report Post » MONICNE  
    • jopmur
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 1:39pm

      I bet he didn’t get it from Santa. I imagine if Santa had given everyone in the room a loaded gun, he wouldn’t have killed everyone. The gun probably came from Obama and Eric Holder and everyone else died because they didn’t have one to defend themselves. Go bark up some other liberal tree.

      Report Post » jopmur  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:44pm

    Why??????????????????? So sad.. but WHY?? God help us all!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • lildeb56
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:44pm

    Satan does not take days off, even for Christmas.

    Report Post » lildeb56  
  • dwh320
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:37pm

    Should have been Ho Ho Ho not BANG BANG BANG.

    Report Post » dwh320  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:34pm

    Tis the season of NUT CASES!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  

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