Off-Duty Officer Kills Ex-Wife, Daughter and Stepfather in Murder-Suicide
The ex-wife had recently filed for divorce and a restraining order against the officer, who had a history of domestic violence.
An off-duty police officer died by suicide after fatally shooting his ex-wife, her father, and his own 7-year-old daughter, authorities said Sunday. The incident occurred in a suburban neighborhood of Houston, Texas.
According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Travis Tate, an officer with the Houston Police Department. The victims were identified as Tate's ex-wife, 33-year-old Lori Moore; her father, 60-year-old Gary Moore; and their daughter, 7-year-old Abigail Tate.
The ex-wife had recently filed for divorce and a restraining order against Travis Tate, citing a history of domestic violence. The sheriff's office stated that Tate had previously been accused of assaulting Lori Moore on multiple occasions. Investigators believe Tate went to the residence with the intention of killing his ex-wife and her family before taking his own life.
Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a 911 call reporting gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered the three deceased victims inside the home. Tate was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the residence. Preliminary investigations suggest that Tate arrived at the home shortly after midnight, forced his way inside, and committed the murders before turning the weapon on himself.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the timeline and motive behind the killings. The Houston Police Department has placed Travis Tate on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, though he died before any departmental action could be taken.