Murder-Suicide in Katy Home Under Investigation

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

July 12, 2020

By Jennifer Miko

Today, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is investigating another apparent murder-suicide in Katy. Authorities found a man dead, and his wife severely injured from gunshot wounds, in the Silver Ranch subdivision. The woman died after emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene. UPDATE: The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deceased victim as Brandi Wills and the shooter, her husband, as Chris Frank Wills.

On Sunday, July 12, officers from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office responded to an early-morning call from a resident in the 25900 block of Silver Timbers Lane near Roesner and Gaston roads, by Tompkins High School in Katy.

Gruesome Discovery

The homeowner witnessed the shootings. When officers arrived on the scene they found a man dead, and his wife severely injured, both with gunshot wounds from the husband's rifle.

As the emergency personnel were treating the injured woman, she gave a "dying declaration" and said her husband had shot her.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls believes the deceased woman was staying with the homeowner because of marital unrest.

“I think she was going to stay there with her friend," says Sheriff Nehls. "I think the couple was going through some domestic issues.”

More Incidents in Katy-Area this Year

In June, Fulshear Police responded to an incident in Cross Creek Ranch where a mother and son were found dead inside a home in the 27000 block of Linden Ridge Lane.

In May, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's office received a 911 call that a man and woman had been shot at a home in the 5900 block of Rose Bush Trail near the Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course in Katy.

“We have seen too many murder-suicides over the past several years,” says Sheriff Nehls. “It’s not a way to handle struggles. You have to try to reach out for help. It’s not necessary - there are other ways we can live through those problems - it’s happening too many times.”

Troubling Times Lead to Anxiety

Sheriff Nehls said it’s going to be interesting how isolation and the coronavirus pandemic continue to affect people - with upcoming decisions about schooling, people losing jobs, and being concerned about the economy.

“I don’t know what the next several months are going to bring,” says Sheriff Nehls. “These are very difficult, trying times. When there’s uncertainty, that brings anxiety."