Tragedy Strikes as Police Probe Quadruple Homicide Involving 3 Children in Oklahoma City
A heart-wrenching incident has shaken Oklahoma City as law enforcement officials launched an investigation into a devastating quadruple homicide, which tragically claimed the lives of five individuals, including three innocent children. The incident, suspected to be a murder-suicide, unfolded late Wednesday night, sending shockwaves through the community.
Sergeant Gary Knight, the spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department, disclosed to USA TODAY that the harrowing shooting occurred before 11:30 p.m., sparking a swift and comprehensive response from law enforcement.
Responding to a distressing domestic disturbance call, officers arrived at a residence on NW 5th Terrace, where they encountered a gruesome scene. Inside the residence, they discovered five individuals who had been shot: a man, a woman, and their three young children.
The victims have been identified as Cassandra Flores, 29 years old; Hillary Armendariz, a 9-year-old girl; Damaris Armendariz, a 5-year-old girl; and Matias Armendariz, a 2-year-old boy. The suspected shooter, identified as 28-year-old Ruben Armendariz, was also found at the scene.
Tragically, Ruben Armendariz and one of the wounded children were still alive when officers arrived. Both were expeditiously transported to nearby medical facilities, but succumbed to their injuries, leaving the community and authorities grappling with the unfathomable loss.
Initial findings suggest that Cassandra Flores and Ruben Armendariz, though separated, were still legally married. The investigation indicates that Ruben Armendariz perpetrated the heinous act, targeting the four victims before ultimately taking his own life.
The residence where this heartrending sequence of events unfolded is located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Oklahoma City, further underscoring the proximity of this tragedy to the heart of the community.
As the investigation unfolds, many questions linger, foremost among them being the motive behind this unthinkable act. Authorities are diligently working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident, offering some solace to a community grappling with shock and grief.
With the painstaking task of determining the cause of death for each victim resting with the medical examiner, the community must wait for answers while collectively mourning the loss of five lives tragically cut short.
In the wake of this chilling event, the community’s unity and resilience shine through as they seek strength in one another, determined to remember the lives lost and support one another through these dark times.