ALLEN, Texas — Three people were found dead inside their vehicle in an apparent murder-suicide Friday night, according to the Allen Police Department.
At about 6:35 p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Spirit Park at 1151 Ridgeview Drive after receiving a call about a shooting. This is west of the Allen Premium Outlets and east of McKinney Towne Crossing.
Allen police officers located the reported vehicle and found three people with apparent gunshot wounds. Allen Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and determined all three were dead. The identities of the victims are not being released as of Saturday.
This comes only a few days after four people were also found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at an Allen home in the 1200 block of Aberdeen Drive near North Allen Heights Drive and East Exchange Parkway.
Allen police said Saturday morning that the park and walking trails were back open.
Anthony Steel is a father of five children and spent Saturday afternoon enjoying the park’s playground with them. He said he was shocked to learn about the shootings that occurred there the night before.
“The fact that something like that could happen here is very, it’s gut-wrenching, it makes you really think,” said Steel.
The news of both shootings, which are believed to be isolated incidents, meets a community where many hearts are still heavy. It’s been less than four months since a gunman opened fire at the Allen Premium Outlet, killing eight people and wounding seven others.
“It’s kind of hard to understand that these things are happening,” said Steel.
Crystal Simpson and her husband Clint Tabor also live in Allen, and struggle with the tragedies that are happening so close to home.
“It definitely hurts, and I think to know that especially that kids are involved, and they don’t have a choice in that, and I think that is absolutely heartbreaking…that’s the hardest part to comprehend,” said Simpson.
She goes on to say how it makes them hold their own children a little tighter.
“Love them a little bit more today I guess,” said Clint Tabor.
Steel said he copes by giving his pain to God and prays for those who are hurting.
“It’s just really hard to put into words, that things like that do happen and you always wonder what’s going on...for me, I’m a man of faith and I feel like that’s been my solution," Steel said.
This is a developing story. We will update with more information as it is provided.