Police: Father Shoots, Kills Son Then Kills Self In Rowlett
ROWLETT (CBSDFW.COM) - Rowlett police say a father shot his 11-year-old son before killing himself. His son later died at the hospital.
The incident happened at a home near Highway 66 and Rowlett Road. Police said officers responded to the scene around 11 p.m. Saturday after they got a call from the father's wife, who is the boy's stepmother.
The woman told police her husband -- identified as 41-year-old Policarpo Gonzalez-Flores -- called her, saying he had shot his son. She said she then heard a second shot.
When officers arrived, they found the father dead, but the son was still alive and was transported to the hospital. The boy later died from his injuries.
The boy attended Coyle Middle School, and neighbors said their hearts hurt for him.
"To find out the boy was only 11 years old... that really saddens our hearts that that had to happen," said one neighbor.
Police believe the couple was having trouble in their marriage. However, they said they had no prior contact with the couple.
The community mourned the loss of the 11-year-old with a candlelight vigil Sunday evening. They shared their stories of James.
"Would help anybody and do anything you needed. He was my water boy. He went and got my mug filled every single morning and if I forgot, he reminded me," said Kimberlie Hawkes, James' fourth and fifth grade teacher.
Garland ISD will have counselors on hand Monday for anyone who needs them.
