Developing case · Waxahachie, Texas · Updated October 2, 2026
Colleen Lemmon and the Deaths of Her Two Sons
A mother faces two capital-murder charges after two sons were shot inside the family home.
Current status: Colleen Nichole Lemmon, 42, is charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of her 21-year-old son, Christopher Scott Pitre, and her 15-year-old son, whose name authorities have withheld.
What happened
Ellis County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after 4 a.m. on October 1 to a 911 call at a home on Big Sky Drive in Waxahachie. Deputies found both sons suffering from gunshot wounds. Christopher was pronounced dead at the scene. His younger brother was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died.
Lemmon was also found at the residence with injuries described as non-life-threatening. After receiving medical treatment, she was booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center. Authorities have said evidence collected during the investigation established probable cause to identify her as the suspected shooter.
What remains unknown
- What allegedly led to the shootings.
- Who placed the 911 call and what was reported.
- The nature and origin of Lemmon’s injuries.
- Whether there were prior police calls, protective orders, psychiatric interventions, or family-court conflicts.
- What firearm evidence, digital evidence, or statements investigators recovered.
Why the capital-murder charge matters
Texas capital-murder law applies only to specified categories of homicide. The exact charging theory and statutory subsection should be confirmed from the indictment or complaint rather than inferred from media shorthand. Jaded Evidence will add that charging analysis when the court documents become available.
What we are tracking next
- Arraignment and bond.
- The formal charging instrument.
- Any probable-cause affidavit or search-warrant returns.
- Whether prosecutors disclose a motive.
- Whether the defense raises competency, mental-health, self-defense, or other issues.
October 3 update
Family members have publicly identified the younger victim as the 15-year-old brother of Christopher Scott Pitre. Authorities continue to investigate the shootings, and Colleen Nichole Lemmon remains charged with two counts of capital murder. The charges are allegations and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
WFAA: family identifies younger victim
Sources
The charges are allegations. Lemmon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.