A Texas mother has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of her two sons. Colleen Lemmon, 42, is accused of fatally shooting Christopher Scott Pitre, 21, and 15-year-old Brian Pitre on Thursday morning in Waxahachie, a city approximately 30 miles south of Dallas.
Officers from the Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call at about 4:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Christopher Scott Pitre deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. Brian Pitre was found with a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
The brothers were found in separate bedrooms within the residence. Lemmon was discovered covered in blood with a firearm next to her. When questioned by authorities, Lemmon allegedly stated, "I shot both my kids," according to a probable cause affidavit.
Lemmon sustained non-life-threatening injuries that appeared to be self-inflicted cuts to her wrists. She was taken into custody, transported to a hospital for treatment, and subsequently booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center. Jail records indicate she is being held on a $2.5 million bond. An arraignment hearing has not yet been scheduled, and no attorney is listed for her.
The father of the two boys, Scott Pitre, expressed his desire for justice for his sons. He told NBC 5 DFW that the family had recently celebrated Brian's 15th birthday at the lake the preceding Sunday.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the incident. Ira Brown told Fox 4, "It's heartbreaking, and I'm praying for them... There is no understanding, I guess, but it just hurts, and I didn't even know them and it hurts."
Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman offered his condolences to the victims' father and their family. "My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones involved in this tragic incident. They will remain in our prayers during this difficult time," he stated.
Graveside funerals for the brothers are scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Ferris Memorial Park North. A GiveSendGo fundraiser initiated by the brothers' aunt to help cover funeral expenses has raised over $3,500 as of Sunday morning.
The motive behind the fatal shootings remains unclear.