The bodies of three teenagers were found by a family member after an incident that police are calling a double murder-suicide. Authorities believe that 15-year-old Hayden Burns of Crosby, Texas, shot his older sister, Haley Burns, and her friend Kadience Cadena, both 17, before turning the gun on himself.
A family member who lived next door found the bodies January 18 and called police.
The relative was looking for someone at the home in the 4500 block of Wolcek Road, police were told, before the person found the deceased teenagers, the Daily Mail reported. Haley was found in the hallway with a gunshot wound to the head, Kadience was found in a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, and Hayden was in another bedroom, according to KHOU.
At a press conference January 18, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said it appeared that Hayden killed his sister and Kadience — and then shot himself.
Police also said they found a gun at the scene that they believe was the murder weapon.
“There was a firearm we found but we don't know, we assume they were shot,” Gonzalez explained. “There will be a forensic investigation that will determine their cause of death.”
The sheriff said the owner of the house was out of town when it happened.
Police have yet to share what Hayden’s motive might’ve been, if any.
"It's really surprising to see something like this happen out here to one of us," neighbor David Givans told KHOU. "It's a close community for the most part. We all watch out for each other."
The Crosby Independent School District released a statement, obtained by the Daily Mail, which read: “We are saddened by the tragedy that unfolded last night in our Crosby community.
“Although the teenagers were not current students, we are thinking of and praying for those who knew them in our community,” it continued. “District counselors have been made available at all campuses this week to speak with students and staff in need of extra support.”
Gonzalez called the deaths “senseless” and “tragic.”
“Based on the trauma that was viewed, it appears that this may be a case of double homicide-suicide, but that is still going to be under investigation,” he said. “But that is the preliminary information that we have.”
At the scene, family members could be seen consoling each other. Gonzalez warned that police want to be careful, “especially if one of the parents involved in this are [traveling],” he said.
“These cases are always highly charged and very emotional, we know that," he added. "Anytime there is a child involved we're all parents in some way connected to and it's extremely difficult when we're talking about young people,” he said. “Our condolences go out to the family.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
