Authorities have identified Dr. Christopher Dawson, 36, as the man responsible for a devastating murder-suicide in North Richland Hills, Texas, where he shot and killed his two children before taking his own life. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, December 9.
Police confirmed that Dawson used a shotgun to kill his children, Luke Dawson, 9, and Aubrey “Bree” Dawson, 5, before turning the gun on himself. His mother, Rachel Dawson, made the grim discovery and called authorities at approximately 7:15 am.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Luke suffered gunshot wounds to the head and torso, while Bree died from a single gunshot to the head. Neighbors later recalled hearing strange noises in the early hours, but failed to comprehend the magnitude of the horror inside Dawson’s home on South College Circle.
“We heard something strange, like a howl,” said Tanner Franklin, a neighbor who was leaving for work around 6:30 a.m. “I thought it was an animal or something.” Another neighbor described hearing Rachel Dawson’s screams moments before the police arrived, Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
North Richland Hills police spokeswoman Carissa Katekaru said there was no history of domestic disturbances at the home. “We’re still trying to figure out why. “I grew up in North Richland Hills and I would say this is a pretty quiet neighborhood.”
Dr. Dawson was a surgeon who worked briefly at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waxahachie from September to October of this year. The hospital declined to comment on his departure, but expressed its condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Friends of Rachel Dawson revealed disturbing details about her husband’s behavior. Ariel Borg, a former neighbor from Phoenix, Arizona, recalled his concerns about Christopher Dawson’s controlling tendencies. “He was very, very controlling of Rachel to the point where, after a certain point, he didn’t allow her to be our friend anymore,” Borg said. daily mail.
“We saw warning signs, but I don’t think anyone would have imagined this would have happened.” Borg, who remains in contact with Rachel, is hosting a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, December 13, in honor of Luke and Bree. “This community is feeling that loss.
“His family (were) our neighbors,” he said, noting that the vigil will include prayers led by a local pastor. As investigators continue to search for answers, the North Richland Hills community struggles with disbelief and grief. “You think you know the people around you, but sometimes you don’t really know what they’re going through,” one neighbor said.
For Rachel Dawson, the unimaginable loss marks the beginning of a long and painful journey, as friends and neighbors support her.