Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies found four bodies and two pets killed at a home in the 9200 block of Sabastian Drive, just southeast of the Katy area. The officers had responded to a welfare check request and after forced entry found all four family members and their two dogs deceased inside. The initial request had reported a man who may be suicidal and wanting to harm his family.

“This is heartbreaking that an entire family is wiped out from the actions of one person,” Sheriff Troy Nehls said.

The suspect, a 48-year-old male, appears to have killed his wife, two sons and two dogs prior to using firing on himself to commit suicide. The wife was 49 years old and the two sons were 16 and 13 years of age.

“Violence is never the answer and there are people you can call to ask for help,” Nehls said. “We have a terrific Crisis Intervention Team that is ready at all time[s] to help you or a family member in distress.”

According to the FBCSO’s Crisis Intervention Team website, the tream can be reached by calling 911 during emergencies or by dialing 281-341-4665 for non-emergency situations.