Woman appears to shoot 15-year-old daughter to death, then dies by suicide, Harris Co. deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Family members who hadn't heard from a woman and her teenage daughter since the weekend discovered their bodies Wednesday in far west Harris County, deputies said.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office believes the 46-year-old mother and 15-year-old girl died from an apparent murder-suicide inside their home in the 5600 block of Sage Manor Drive, which is in the Windsong neighborhood near Barker Cypress and Kieth Harrow.

Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland said the adult appeared to have shot her daughter before turning the weapon on herself. HCSO homicide detectives and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences are working to confirm the preliminary finding.

Deputies were called to the home, where the mother and daughter resided, at about 12:05 p.m. after the woman's relatives entered the house. Gilliland said the relatives last heard from anyone in the house early Saturday. Calls to either one one have yet to be answered since then.

The family members walked throughout the home to look for them only to discover the bodies on the second floor, Gilliland said.

An investigation continues into what unfolded, including what may have led to the situation. In the meantime, Gilliland acknowledged the mental health aspects of the incident and pointed to the county's suicide prevention resources.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, or other mental health crises, please call or text the new three-digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

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