A Waxahachie mother is facing two counts of capital murder after her two sons were found shot inside their home on Big Sky Drive early Thursday morning. Ellis County deputies responded to a 911 call at about 4 a.m. and found 21-year-old Christopher Scott Pitre dead at the scene and his 15-year-old brother, Brian Pitre, critically wounded. Brian later died at a hospital. Both brothers were discovered in separate bedrooms with gunshot wounds to the head.

Colleen Nichole Lemmon, 42, was taken into custody after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. According to a probable cause narrative, Lemmon told deputies she shot both her kids. Her bond has been set at $2.5 million. The boys’ father said he had celebrated Brian’s 15th birthday at a lake just days before the killings.

Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman released a statement extending sympathies to the victims’ father, family members, and loved ones. As the investigation continues and court proceedings move forward, the case is prompting hard conversations across Waxahachie about family violence, mental health support, and how warning signs might be recognized earlier. If you or someone you know needs help, local crisis and counseling resources are available in Ellis County. What do you think our community could do better when it comes to supporting struggling families?