HOUSTON — Houston police say a man stabbed his wife to death and then critically injured himself during a mental health crisis early Wednesday morning. On Thursday, he was charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Police said the wife had called 911 saying her husband was in a crisis running around with a knife and was threatening to kill himself.
This happened on Elberta Street in the Brookhaven neighborhood in Houston's south side shortly after 4 a.m.
When officers arrived at the home, they spotted a little girl running toward the front door. The couple's 8-year-old daughter told them, "Daddy's stabbing mommy."
Officers found the child's parents covered in blood.
"Find both of them in a back bathroom, both major injuries all over," HPD Sgt. R. Wilkins said.
The woman didn't survive. Her husband was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, according to HPD. He was still hospitalized as of Thursday morning.
The daughter wasn't physically harmed, police said, but they believe she witnessed the attack.
Neighbors said the family had moved in just a few months ago.
Kelly Simon had visited them and their little girl a few times.
"She had a birthday party once and a neighborhood get-together," Simon said.
There were food trucks and bounce houses at the parties and no sign that anything was off, according to Simon.
"They seemed like a perfect happy family," she said.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.