Oklahoma man Ruben Armendariz, 28, murders his ex-wife and three children aged 2, 5 and 9 before turning on himself in a horrific murder-suicide
- Armendariz shot his ex-wife Cassie Flores Wednesday night in Oklahoma City
- Police say they are still investigating the motive for the tragic shooting
- The father-of-three was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead
Tributes have been paid to an ‘incredible mother’ who was shot and killed by her ex-husband – who also murdered their three children before turning the gun on himself.
Police say Ruben Armendariz, 28, fatally shot Cassie Flores, 29, at her home in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.
He then shot dead their three children, Hillary, 9, Damaris, 5, and Matis, 2, before shooting himself at around 11 p.m.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and found five people injured, transporting Armendariz and one of the children to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
The couple had been married, but separated, although it was unclear whether Armendariz was living with his ex-wife and children at the time.
Police say Ruben Armendariz, 28, shot dead Cassie Flores, 29 (pictured) at her home in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night
He then shot their three children, Hillary, 9 (left) Damaris, 5 (right) and Matis, 2 (centre) before shooting themselves around 11 p.m.
Cops are still investigating the motive for the murder, saying in a statement: “This investigation is in the very early stages.”
“Detectives are currently trying to piece together the chain of events that led to the massacre.”
Tributes to the mother and her three children poured in, with her family describing the situation as a “nightmare”.
Flores’ sister Rocio posted photos of her loved ones online, writing: “I can’t believe it.” My babies and my sister. They are all gone, it looks like such a nightmare.
“I couldn’t say goodbye to them and I feel such guilt in my heart that I can’t bear.
“God is with us and he will never leave us. Fly high my babies fly high my beautiful angels.’
Officers confirmed they had not been called for domestic disturbances at the home prior to the fatal incident.
Armendariz’s only prior record appeared to be a traffic violation in 2020, where he was convicted of driving without a valid license.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and found five people injured, taking Armendariz and one of the children to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Tributes to the mother and her three children poured in, with her family describing the situation as a ‘nightmare’
Cops are still investigating the motive for the murder, saying in a statement: ‘This investigation is still in the early stages’
Officers confirmed they were not called for domestic disturbances at the home prior to the fatal incident
sergeant. Gary Knight added: “They’re still trying to figure out what led to this.”
“Sometimes we never know. No one seems to have seen it coming. If they did, no one alerted us.
The Western Heights School District has not confirmed which, if any, victims attend their schools, but additional counselors are available if needed.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Homicide Tip-Line at 405 297-1200.
