Movie theater shooting victims from Texas

AURORA, Colorado – Three people killed in the Aurora movie theater early Friday morning grew up in Texas.

In addition to San Antonio native Jessica Ghawi, 24, we have learned that the oldest victim Gordon Cowden, 51, was originally from Austin. The third native Texan killed in the attack was Rebecca Wingo, 32, of Quinlan.

"In a blink of an eye something happens and completely changes everyone's life forever," said Hal Wallace, Wingo's friend.

Wingo, who had served in the Air Force as a Chinese translator, was the mother of two little girls.

Wingo's last Facebook post about the daughters she now leaves behind read: "My little baby started kindergarten today. She is so excited to be in the big girl school with her sister. Oh how the time flies."

Her father wrote this on Facebook: "I lost my daughter to a mad man, My grief right now is inconsolable. I hear she died instantly, without pain, however the pain is unbearable, Lord why, why why?"

Gordon Cowden, 51, the oldest of the dozen victims killed inside the theater, grew up in Austin. According to his family, Cowden was shot in front of his two teenage children, who were there with him to watch the the Batman movie premiere. The teenagers escaped unharmed.

Cowden's family released this statement Sunday that reads in part:

"Cowden was a true Texas gentleman that loved life and his family. He will be remembered for his devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right thing. Our hearts go out to everyone that has been harmed by this senseless tragedy."