The NEW America

Three Katrina evacuees dead in apparent double murder-suicide
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GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) - A family of three Hurricane Katrina evacuees facing eviction were found dead Friday in their North Texas apartment in what police said appears to be a double murder-suicide.

The discovery was made after police were called by the apartment complex to assist in the eviction, Grapevine police Sgt. Todd Dearing said. He didn't know how long the Louisiana family had not been paying rent.

Found with gunshot wounds were a 40-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy. Dearing said police found a shotgun believed to be the weapon.

Dearing said the scene inside the apartment "had the appearance" of a murder-suicide, but he couldn't say for certain.

He said police were searching for a 16-year-old daughter who they believe was living away from the family. Identifications were withheld pending notification of relatives.

Dearing said a resident informed the complex Thursday that they heard what sounded like three gunshots near the victims' apartment. Grapevine police were called to the apartment but left when no one answered the door.

"There was no reason for us to make entry," Dearing said. "They said it was their usual method of not answering the phones or door because they were being evicted."

Dearing said the family was supposed to be out of the apartment Tuesday, but the complex gave the family a few extra days. The family was receiving assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Dearing said.

Apartment management could not be reached for comment.

Dearing said the victims will be taken to the Tarrant County medical examiner for autopsies.