Haltom City Police Probe Murder-Suicide Near Birdville ISD
HALTOM CITY, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded on Friday in a Birdville ISD parking lot when a woman and her young daughter were shot and killed, according to local authorities. Police believe the incident was a murder-suicide, leaving the community in deep sorrow and an elementary school without one of its kindergartners.
The Haltom City Police Department confirmed that three individuals lost their lives in the shooting near the Birdville ISD administrative offices and Birdville Stadium. The man who opened fire on the woman and child later took his own life, as reported by police.
At this time, none of the victims have been publicly identified. HCPD Sgt. Richard Alexander provided details about the events leading up to the tragedy. He stated that the suspect drove to the area in a U-Haul van and initially confronted the woman at a white car on a nearby road. Both then proceeded into the Birdville ISD parking lot, where the situation escalated into a deadly confrontation.
“They definitely know each other, and we believe they have some kind of family relationship,” Alexander said at the scene. However, he declined to provide further details, stating that investigators had not yet confirmed the exact nature of the relationship.
Haltom City police indicated that more information is expected to be released on Monday.
A Kindergartner Remembered
Birdville ISD confirmed that the child who was killed was a kindergarten student at Cheney Hills Elementary School, located near the scene of the shooting. The district expressed its devastation over the loss of one of its students and acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on the community.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our students and heartbroken that this tragedy occurred in our community,” a letter sent to Cheney Hills families read. “The loss of a student is always difficult and filled with a variety of emotions. Our teachers and staff will work with our students and families as we navigate this emotional time together.”
The district announced that crisis counselors would be available on campus starting Monday and would remain as long as needed. Additionally, Saturday school sessions at Cheney Hills scheduled for this week were canceled.
Birdville ISD also mentioned that no school activities were planned at the stadium or any nearby facility at the time of the shooting. In a statement, the district expressed its grief and emphasized that the area is secure while working closely with Haltom City Police as they investigate the incident.
A Community Mourns
By Sunday, a growing tribute had begun to form outside the Birdville ISD administration building, with flowers, balloons, and stuffed bunnies piling up in the parking lot. Caleb Badibanga, who met the woman through work about three years ago, came to the memorial to pay his respects.
“She’s not just like anybody to us. She means a lot,” he said. “She was very kind. Really caring and loving.”
He described the little girl as beautiful and bright. “Memories never go away. She still lives in my head — her and her child,” Badibanga said. “I cherish every moment that I had to spend with them.”
He struggled to find words to express his grief. “There’s a lot I can say but I don’t know where to start and where to finish. But they were really important to me, and I’m really broken right now.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
