Waxahachie, Texas — A Texas mother is facing two counts of capital murder after authorities say her 21-year-old and 15-year-old sons were shot inside their family home in the middle of the night.
Colleen Nichole Lemmon, 42, was arrested after deputies responded to the residence on Big Sky Drive in Waxahachie early Thursday morning, according to the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Christopher Scott Pitre and his 15-year-old brother. Authorities have not publicly released the younger boy’s name.
Deputies Find Two Sons With Gunshot Wounds
The investigation began at approximately 4:15 a.m. Thursday, when deputies were dispatched to the home following a report of what authorities described as “an unknown emergency.”
When deputies arrived, they found both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence. Pitre, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His younger brother was still alive when emergency responders arrived and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, the 15-year-old later died from his injuries, authorities said.
The deaths have now become the focus of a homicide investigation involving the boys’ mother.
Mother Was Still at the Home
Lemmon was still at the residence when deputies arrived, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said she had non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment before eventually being booked into the Ellis County Jail.
Investigators continued working to determine what happened inside the home and who was responsible for the shootings.
Detectives ultimately determined that there was probable cause to believe Lemmon was responsible for shooting both victims, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities cited “corroborating evidence” as part of the basis for the charges.
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The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released details about the circumstances that preceded the shooting.
Motive Has Not Been Released
As of the latest information available, investigators have not publicly explained what led to the shooting or what happened immediately before deputies arrived.
Authorities also have not disclosed additional details about Lemmon’s injuries or explained how she sustained them. The sheriff’s office said the father of the two victims has been notified of their deaths.
Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman expressed condolences to the victims’ family following the tragedy.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident,” Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman said in a statement. “They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”
The statement came as investigators continued gathering evidence and working to establish the full sequence of events inside the Waxahachie residence.
Capital Murder Charges Filed
Lemmon is currently being held at the Ellis County Jail while the criminal case moves forward.
She faces two preliminary counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of her sons. Authorities said a bond determination was still pending her arraignment.
Because the investigation is ongoing, additional information could emerge as detectives review evidence and prosecutors move forward with the case.
The deaths have also left the victims’ family dealing with the loss of two sons in the same incident. The younger victim’s identity has not yet been released publicly, while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the early-morning shooting.
For now, authorities have confirmed the deaths, the arrest and the charges but have not released a detailed motive or timeline explaining exactly what happened before deputies arrived.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case in Waxahachie? Share your reactions in the comments as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
