HOUSTON – A man shot his two young daughters and his wife before taking his own life, police said.
The shooting happened inside a condo on Reims Drive and Hornwood in southwest Houston at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Officials said one daughter, Jacqueline Shaikh, 11, was shot multiple times and later died. Her 14-year-old sister, Vivian Shaikh, was shot in the neck and was taken to the hospital in critical condition, officials said.
The man's wife, Maria Isabel Gorena, 43, was shot in the back. She is also hospitalized in critical condition.
"Doctors say she's believed to be paralyzed," said John Cannon with the Houston Police Department.
Police identified the shooter as Sardar Shaikh, 47.
Adam Dalami owns a convenience store across the street from the complex, and said he ran out of the store after hearing a single gunshot.
Dalami said he recognized the man on the ground instantly. He said it was one of his frequent customers, a man he said he'd known for 20 years.
Police said they do not yet have a motive. Police said they had not been called out to the family's home in the past.
Close friends said the shootings may have been prompted by a heated argument. Friends said the couple constantly fought and separated for four months, but they were back together and trying to reconcile their marriage.
Neighbors and friends said they were shocked to hear about the shooting, and called Shaikh a "peaceful person." Everyone who knew him said they were surprised by the news.
"There was no indication that there was any problem with the family," said Tasleen Siddiqui with the Pakistani-American Association. He said he spoke with members of the Shaikh family who live in Pakistan. "The family back home is very upset, very sad. They're really shocked and the only thing they want is his body to be sent back home as soon as possible."
Jacqueline Shaikh attended KIPP Sharpstown Middle School. Vivian Shaikh attended KIPP Houston High School.
Counselors were at the schools on Monday and will be there throughout the week to offer help to anyone who needs it.