GRANBURY, Texas — Four people, including two children, were found shot to death inside a Granbury home in an apparent murder-suicide, police said Friday.
Police in Granbury said they responded to a welfare check just after 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, at a home in the 300 block of Kathy Lane. Police said officers made their way inside and found two adults and two children dead.
The two adults were identified as Marcus Buchanan, 36, and Rita Buchanan, 34. Police said the two children were ages 13 and 3. Police did not give any information on the relationship between the four.
Police said investigators have evidence that a murder-suicide had taken place. Further details were not immediately released as the investigation continues.
According to police, it appeared there were no other people involved in the incident.
Family, friends and neighbors are trying to make sense of the heartbreaking investigation. It happened directly across the street from the home of Crystal Blanchard and her family.
"Shock, disbelief," said Crystal Blanchard.
Blanchard's family watched the investigation unfold from their front yard.
"It was hard on everybody watching the scene unfold from about 1 to 3:45 p.m., when the police officer showed up," she said.
The 13-year-old victim had formed a bond with Blanchard's daughter.
"We were really close. She always rode the bus every morning," said Maddison Blanchard. "We would walk together. She was a really good person, and I am really shocked."
Several neighbors remembered seeing Marcus and Rita Buchanan often sitting on their front porch. Learning about a murder-suicide simply sent shock waves through neighbors.
"To say I am shocked is like an understatement," said Madison McVay.
The tragedy has left people like McVay and her husband, Dillion, beyond shock, especially remembering how much their children enjoyed life.
Although the Buchanans were one of the newest families to move onto Kathy Lane, just looking at the home and its surroundings is emotional for the McVay family.
"We saw the trampoline in the backyard, and it was triggering just knowing it will never be jumped on again, they won't be playing in the backyard again," said McVay.
Granbury ISD confirmed to WFAA that both child victims were students in the district.
"The death of a student is one of the hardest things any school district faces. The tragic loss of two of our precious students is heartbreaking for students, teachers and staff, and our community," Granbury ISD Dr. Jeremy Glenn said in a statement.
"We appreciate the difficult work of the Granbury Police Department, and we will assist with the investigation as appropriate," Glenn added.