A Rowlett father fatally shot his son and then turned the gun on himself late Saturday night, according to Rowlett police.
Police said the child's step-mother called 911 shortly after 11 p.m. She told investigators she left the house on an errand. While out of the home, she received a call from her husband saying he shot his son and planned to kill himself.
She called police. Officers arrived at the home in the 5900 block of Mimosa Drive and found the father and son with gunshot wounds inside a bedroom. The father was pronounced dead at the scene. The son was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The woman told police she and her husband argued on Saturday. He left the house. She later left to run an errand. While she was gone, she says her husband returned to the home and called her.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office reports the father has been identified as Policarpo Gonzalez Flores, 40.
The son's identity has not been released at this time.
His grandfather, Kevin Duebner, tells NBC 5 the family hasn't been able to make sense of the shooting. Duenber says Gonzalez, also known as Poli, was close to his son.
"Poli was a stellar young man and for him to do something like this, he lived for that little boy," said Duebner.
The 11 year old, family says, loved music and sports.
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"He played guitar, he piano, he played drums, he played soccer. He was constantly busy, very intelligent, full of life," said Duebner. "I don’t have any idea as to why this took place."
The victim's former teacher says the young student was a standout.
"I remember the love he shared. He never left my classroom without giving me a hug and saying I love you," said Kimberlie Hawks.
Hawks and around 100 others prayed together for the victim at Kenwood Heights Park on Sunday night. Speakers said the child touched many lives in his short 11 years.
Police say the child attended Coyle Middle School. Garland ISD says counselors will be mobilized to help students and staff when they return to school Monday.
A spokesperson for the district said, "We are deeply saddened about the tragic events leading to the passing of the student at Coyle Middle School. Garland ISD district and campus counselors will be available beginning tomorrow to provide support to students and staff. Our heartfelt sympathies are with this family and everyone at the campus who knew and loved this young student. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers as they and our school community mourn this terrible loss."
Gonzalez's nephew said the family was shocked to learn of the apparent murder-suicide. Gonzalez worked as a plumber and had two children: the 11 year old boy and an adult daughter.
Rowlett Police say the 11 year old was the only child at the home during the shooting. Police are not looking for any other suspects in the case.
