HOUSTON, Texas – Two men, who police said had been together for 22 years, were found dead Thursday at a home in Greenway, in an apparent murder-suicide.
Police identified the victims as Rene Ruiz, 62 and Benjamin Ruiz, 52.
"I heard what sounded like a little bang, but I wasn’t sure and it ended up they died from a gunshot wound," neighbor Houston Hilshey said.
Houston police said a concerned friend who found the front door unlocked called 911 around 9:30 p.m. Officers found both men with gunshot wounds at the home in the 4000 block of Markham Street.
"At this time it appears to be a murder-suicide," said Blake Roberts, with HPD homicide.
The bodies and a gun were found in the master bedroom, authorities said.
An autopsy report shows Benjamin Ruiz died of a gunshot wound through his mouth as a result of suicide, while Rene Ruiz died of gunshot wounds to the head, torso and his right lower extremity as a result of a homicide.
According to investigators, the men were going through a divorce and the $1.5 million home where they were found had been put up for sale hours before the shooting. Neighbors said the men had recently moved out.
Channel 2 Investigates reviewed court documents that showed each man had recently filed a temporary restraining against the other. Rene Ruiz filed for divorce March 29.
Rene Ruiz was in the oil and gas business. Benjamin Ruiz was a makeup artist.
"We never saw them arguing, fighting. They were just a happy couple,” said neighbor Joaquin Medellin.
"(They were) very active, you know, walking the dogs and friends with our kids, just good people. (They'd) come to birthday parties or come to house parties,” said neighbor Gerald Marichal.
Neighbors said they didn't see signs of trouble.
VIDEO: Couple found dead in Greenway home
Medellin said he heard a loud bang but wasn't sure what it was. Later, he learned his neighbors were dead.
“No one knew that there was anything going on so it’s just kind of shocking to know what can be going on in your neighbor's house, not knowing anything. Pretty sad, tragic," Marichal said.
Police said there was no note left behind so it is unclear what led to the shooting.