2-year-old saved from shooting where mother was killed during family argument, deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- An investigation is underway after two women were killed during a family argument Sunday morning, according to deputies.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said at about 10:16 a.m., deputies received two calls regarding a verbal fight between a couple in their mid-20s.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said about 10 minutes later, the call changed to a shooting in progress at a home in the 8700 block of Cypressbrook Drive.

Gonzalez posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a family fight might've been the cause of the deadly shooting. Investigators believe the argument was about a break-up or possibly a divorce.

"The scene is contained, no active threat to neighbors/community," Gonzalez said on social media.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found several people shot inside the home, but Gonzalez noted there was also evidence outside.

The sheriff's office confirmed that two women were shot and killed, and two men were taken to the hospital.

One of the victims is believed to have been the homeowner, a 65-year-old woman, and the other to be her daughter-in-law.

Investigators said the daughter-in-law, who was 28 years old, called law enforcement earlier for help. She allegedly lived at the home with her 28-year-old husband.

"We've received previous calls for service before, possibly involving the married couple. Deputies are familiar with the residence," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said at least three people, including the two hospitalized men, possibly fired shots.

In an update, the sheriff's office said a 2-year-old was inside the home during the shooting.

Gonzalez said another relative shielded the child to "spare the 2-year-old seeing his mom be executed."

The relative ran out of the home with the 2-year-old, leaving them both unharmed.

HCSO is working with Child Protective Services to determine what happens with the child.

If you need help getting out of a domestic violence situation, call the Houston Area Women's Center 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or call AVDA at 713-224-9911. You can also click here to chat with an advocate online. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need help, call 713-528-3625.

Editor's note: Gonzalez initially reported that four people were shot to death. In an update, the sheriff's office made the correction that two women were killed and two men were hospitalized.

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