Cause of death confirmed for Katy-area couple killed in home shooting

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The couple found dead inside a Katy-area home Monday morning have been identified, and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has confirmed the cause of their deaths.

Christopher Lopez, 50, died from a penetrating gunshot wound to the face, while Trinette Rayson-Lopez, 50, suffered two gunshot wounds to the head and a perforating gunshot wound to the left hand, officials said. Both deaths happened at approximately 5:43 a.m., according to the medical examiner.

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It happened in the 3700 block of Bent Springs Lane.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the home at approximately 6 a.m. after a man called 911 and said his mother and father had been shot and were beyond help.

Deputies and EMS units responded and attempted life-saving measures, but the man and woman died at the scene.

Authorities say the man and woman were found dead downstairs, but in separate rooms, one in the main living area and the other near the kitchen. Both of them had suffered at least one gunshot wound to the upper body.

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Officials say the couple’s two adult children as well as a third juvenile related to the family were asleep upstairs when the shooting happened.

Detectives interviewed family members, neighbors, and other witnesses and canvassed the neighborhood for security camera footage.

The medical examiner’s office removed the bodies and autopsies will be performed in the next 24 hours to confirm manner and cause of death.

Investigators say there were no signs of a break-in, though the investigation is ongoing. No weapons were found nearby either.

Sheriff Gonzalez noted there have been previous calls to the residence. He also mentioned that the female victim’s partner had issues with an ex, but that person is not currently considered a suspect.

“It is unclear at the moment who shot the complainants and why. The case is now being investigated by Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide, and they are seeking help from the public or any witnesses. Please contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS if you have any information in regard to the Double Homicide,” the sheriff’s office said.

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Neighbors say the scene this morning sparked confusion before everyone found out what happened.

“Once I saw the caution tape, I didn’t see any ambulance or whatnot. I was like, maybe. You know, somebody’s hurt pretty bad,” said Nick Norman.

Norman says the man who died always greeted him with a smile and he will be missed.

“He’s just a nice guy. I see him every day. He walks his dog every morning. Just a nice guy. He made me feel welcome in the neighborhood,” Norman said.