A Waxahachie mother has been charged with two counts of capital murder after authorities say she shot and killed her two sons inside their Ellis County home early Thursday morning.
Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 900 block of Big Sky Drive at approximately 4:13 a.m. following a 911 call reporting an unknown emergency. Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was identified as 21-year-old Christopher Scott Pitre of Waxahachie who was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, a 15-year-old boy whose identity is being withheld due to his age, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition before later succumbing to his injuries.
Investigators also found the boys’ mother, 42-year-old Colleen Nichole Lemmon, at the scene with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Evidence gathered at the scene and through the course of the investigation led detectives to identify Lemmon as the shooter responsible for both deaths.
Lemmon was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. Following her release from the hospital, she was booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie. No bond had been set as of Thursday pending her arraignment.
Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman expressed condolences to the victims’ family in an official statement. “My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident” Norman said. “They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Authorities confirmed that the victims’ father has been notified of both deaths. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting.