Several families in North Texas are trading holiday celebrations for funeral planning in the wake of recent, high-profile domestic violence cases in Dallas, Kaufman and Tarrant counties.
Four reported domestic violence crimes, most of which escalated into police-involved shootings or murder-suicides, have left eight people dead and three people hurt — all in the span of a week.
Local domestic violence experts and law enforcement officials say these cases can spike during the holiday season, but there are things families can do to help keep the peace and resources available to help.
Reaching out about a domestic violence situation can feel overwhelming, Tiffany Tate, chief executive officer of The Family Place, said, but it is important for people to know they are not alone.
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“The holidays are often associated with joy and togetherness, but for some families, this time of year can be incredibly difficult,” Tate said. “There is never an excuse for abuse, but this time of year can create conditions where danger escalates quickly, making access to support and community awareness especially critical.”
Tragedy in Kaufman County
In Kaufman County, the peace ended right before Christmas began.
Philip Dale Humphrey, 66, Sherry Lynn Bostick, 62, Casey Dale Humphrey, 38, and a 12-year-old boy were all found dead at a home in the 200 block of Rash Lane on Dec. 24, according to police. Relatives asked that police not release the boy’s identity because of his age.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed the relationship between the four.
Investigators said Casey Humphrey opened fire on the other three before killing himself. The motive behind the triple murder-suicide has not been publicly released and may not ever be known.
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, the Terrell Police Department acknowledged how the holidays can be a challenging time for many individuals and families. While it could not provide additional details on the homicide investigation, the department said it always strives to connect individuals with available resources whenever possible.
“When officers encounter situations involving domestic conflict or individuals in crisis, our priority is to ensure immediate safety, assess the circumstances,” police said in the statement. “We encourage community members to reach out for help early and to utilize available local and national mental health resources.”
Officer-involved shooting in Tarrant County
On Dec. 26, a man was shot and injured by Tarrant County deputies as they responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home in the 14000 block of Oak Bark Drive in Haslet.
When deputies arrived, they detained one man, and “an officer-involved shooting occurred involving a second man” inside the home, a news release from the sheriff’s office said.
The second man, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Investigators have not released any information about a motive in the case or said how the two men were related. It’s also unclear if police plan to pursue criminal charges in the case.
Another tragedy in McKinney over the weekend
Former McKinney City Manager Leonard “Frank” Ragan, 73, and his wife, Jackie Ragan, 72, were found dead in their living room the morning of Dec. 28 after being stabbed, according to city officials and police. Their son, Bryce Ragan, 34, is now facing a capital murder charge in connection with the couple’s deaths.
Inside the home, police found the younger Ragan with a gun and his parents’ bodies.
Two officers shot Bryce Ragan several times after he refused to surrender, according to Darryl Saffold, a spokesperson for the McKinney Police Department.
As of Monday, the 34-year-old was said to be hospitalized in stable condition. He faces a capital murder charge, as well as three charges of aggravated assault.
Historically, law enforcement agencies do see calls related to family violence increase during times of heightened stress, such as holidays or major life disruptions, Saffold said.
Each of the domestic violence situations is complex, requiring police to focus on responding promptly, ensuring safety and helping victims, he said.
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Early-morning violence in Grand Prairie
The latest murder-suicide took place in a home in the 1600 block of Avenue B in Grand Prairie early Monday.
Police said they first responded to the home on Sunday after a man reported that his father had shot him in the face after he intervened in a fight between his parents. The man fled to a neighbor’s home and called 911.
Officers were unable to make contact with the suspect once they arrived.
Knowing a woman was inside the home, police said officers forced open the front door and were met with gunfire. As officers returned fire, police said the man fled further into the home.
The man, later identified as 62-year-old Somsac Thidavanh, was found dead inside the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
The man’s wife, 44-year-old Soukdavanh Thidavanh, was found in a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We’ve never experienced anything like this in the neighborhood,” Karina Perez, who lives in one of the neighboring houses, said.
Domestic violence rises during the holidays
Here’s what local shelters and domestic violence support organizations say about incidents during the holidays and how to handle them.
One in four women in the U.S. will experience intimate partner violence within her lifetime. In Texas, that number is one in three, Ruth Guerreiro, chief clinical officer for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, told The News.
Guerreiro said domestic violence occurs year-round, though the shelter receives an increase in assistance requests during the holiday season and when school ends for the summer.
“Because the violence can escalate during the holidays, we safety plan with our clients for when they have to be around their abusive partner or ex-partner,” Guerreiro said.
Guerreiro said Genesis provides free and confidential mental health therapy, advocacy support, occupational therapy and legal services at all of its locations.
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The shelters also have transitional housing programs, outreach offices and emergency shelter for immediate situations, she said.
The Family Place supports women, children, men and pets with immediate safety, shelter and hope, Tate said. The organization’s services include emergency and transitional shelter, medical and dental services, children’s education and counseling, community-based counseling, legal services, pet kennels and more.
“It is never easy to flee a violent situation, and may be especially challenging during the holidays,” Tate said. “Many families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and we work alongside our community to help restore safety, dignity and stability during an incredibly vulnerable time.”
“When you notice a loved one might be experiencing intimate partner violence, the first step is to believe them,” Guerreiro said. “Let them know it’s not their fault and that free and confidential help is available.”
The Genesis hotline is answered by call and text 24/7 for confidential, free help at 214-946-4357. The Family Place 24-hour hotline can be reached at 214-941-1991 for free, confidential help in both English and Spanish.
“We are devastated about the lives lost to domestic violence this holiday season in DFW and are here to provide support for the community,” Tate said.
The national domestic violence hotline also offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233, text “START” to 88788 or visit thehotline.org.
Mental health resourcesHere For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: Grant Halliburton Foundation initiative that connects North Texans with mental health resources customized to each caller. 972-525-8181 or HereForTexas.com.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.Crisis Text Line: To get 24-hour support, text “HOME” to 741741. More information at crisistextline.org.North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 24-hour crisis hotline. 866-260-8000 or ntbha.org.Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline. 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255 or sccenter.org.
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