Five people have been confirmed dead in a shocking shooting in McGregor, Texas near Waco, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Two victims of the deadly rampage have been identified as Lori and Natalie Aviles by multiple family members who shared photos and emotional tributes online.
“A coward with a gun took my sister and beautiful niece’s lives just for being outside of their own home,” shared Lori’s brother, Leon Olvera, on social media. “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.”
Police were called to a Central Texas home around 7:30 Thursday morning and were met with gunfire from the alleged shooter, McGregor Mayor Jimmy Hering told KCEN-TV. Police fired back, wounding the gunman who is now in custody at a local hospital, reported KWTX.
Officers discovered carnage at the home, with one woman’s body outside, while another woman was found dead inside the home, reported Waco station KWTX.
The same TV station cited a law enforcement official who said an unidentified suspect had shot his wife and her two children just before 8 a.m Thursday. It is unclear if the second woman who was shot was related to the gunman. There were reportedly other children at the home during the shooting, but were not shot.
“There was a domestic disturbance that resulted in a shooting in McGregor this morning,” said McGregor ISD Superintendent James Lenamon in a statement to explain why area schools were briefly placed on lockdown.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed five people were killed during an afternoon press conference. KWTXBy Thursday night, family members planned a vigil for the victims at Bethlehem Christian Church in McGregor for Lori, who was a hospital worker, and Natalie who had been crowned Miss McGregor in 2019.
“I am still in shock and disbelief,” said Ashley Sanchez of 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.”
