Robot sent inside to find suspect
By HOLLY YAN
The Dallas Morning News
CARROLLTON, Tex. – A man fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and their young son before he was found dead, possibly of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Monday night, police said.
The names of the woman and the 7-year-old boy had not been released, and police would not elaborate on the domestic dispute that led to the shooting at their friends’ home in the 1700 block of San Francisco Street.
When police arrived at the house after shots were reported about 6 p.m., they found the woman’s body on the front lawn and the child’s body in the front seat of a truck nearby.
Neighbors said the man had fled into the house, and police began a three-hour standoff as they tried to make contact with him. The woman’s body remained outside the home because authorities were concerned the armed man might be alive inside.
Almost 100 neighbors looked on as SWAT officers surrounded the home and patrolled the area before a police robot was sent inside to find the suspect. The man was found dead on the ground floor of the home.
Tactical officers confirmed that no one else was inside.
Before the shootings began, people were playing on the front porch, neighbors said.
“They were just smiling, having a good time,” said 14-year-old neighbor Jesse Estrada.
The homeowner, Oscar Mazariegos, said the three who were shot were friends with his family. The gunman and woman had broken up about five months ago, he said.
The woman and her daughter were visiting Mr. Mazariegos’ home when the gunman arrived and began firing.
“I never thought he was going to do that,” he said. “I’m amazed. I’m in shock.”
It was unclear whether the boy who was killed had come with his mother or arrived with his father.
Mr. Mazariegos said the gunman threatened to kill his wife, too, until Mr. Mazariegos’ daughter begged him for mercy.
Mr. Mazariegos’ family and the woman’s daughter fled to the safety of a nearby home.
A neighbor said the family had recently moved into the quiet subdivision of well-maintained two-story brick homes.
Sue Garrett, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, said this was the worst thing that had ever happened there.
“It’s a great family neighborhood,” she said.
Police were attempting to contact relatives to confirm details of the family’s situation.
Staff writer Jon Nielsen contributed to this report.
Copyright 2007 The Dallas Morning News