Three children were found dead and two others injured inside a home in the Ellis County town of Italy Friday afternoon, sheriff's deputies say.
According to Ellis County Jail records, 25-year-old Shamaiya Hall has been charged with three counts of capital murder of multiple persons. Family members told NBC 5 that Hall is the mother of the children, but authorities have not yet confirmed that.
Ellis County Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Cozby said law enforcement officers were first called at about 4 p.m. to a home on the 300 block of South Harris Street, near Italy ISD's Stafford Elementary School.
“Three deceased victims were found inside the home," Cozby said. "All victims were children. Two children were taken to the hospital. A suspect has been detained in the case.”
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Investigators have not yet described the circumstances of the deaths and further details about the children's injuries were not yet known.
Cozby said a person he said was a suspect has been detained in connection with the investigation and there was "no danger to the public at this time."
“We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why," a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services spokesman said in a statement to NBC 5.
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“I say, 'I love y'all' and I would always blow the horn when I see them going to school,” cousin Shamelia Anderson said about the killed kids.
Family and community members gathered just a few houses down for a prayer vigil for the community. They pray for peace and understanding.
“I just want everyone to know those are some beautiful angels and love them," Anderson said. "I know God never makes no mistakes. I just want to say they gained their wings.”
Further details were not immediately available. Cozby said the investigation remains "fluid" and additional details will be made public when available.
"Right now the most important thing is our prayers for those involved," he said.
Italy ISD released a statement on Facebook Friday night expressing the overwhelming grief felt by the district and the community.
