Waxahachie Mother Charged With Capital Murder After Two Sons Are Fatally Shot in Their Home
WAXAHACHIE, Texas — A devastating tragedy in Waxahachie has left a family grieving after two brothers, ages 21 and 15, were fatally shot inside their home early Thursday morning. Their mother, 42-year-old Colleen Nichole Lemmon, has been arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with their deaths.
Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Big Sky Drive shortly after 4 a.m. on October 1 following a 911 call reporting an unknown emergency. When deputies arrived, they discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The older son, Christopher Scott Pitre, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene. His younger brother, initially identified only as a 15-year-old juvenile by authorities, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries. Later obituary information identifies the younger victim as Brian Joseph Pitre, who had recently turned 15.
Mother Arrested at the Scene
Investigators say Lemmon was also found at the residence with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. She was taken for medical treatment before being booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center.
According to an arrest affidavit reported by FOX 4, deputies found Lemmon covered in blood with a handgun nearby. Investigators also reported that she appeared to have cuts on her wrists. When deputies questioned her about the blood, she allegedly made a statement indicating that she had shot both of her children.
Authorities said evidence collected at the residence led investigators to identify Lemmon as the suspected shooter. The two brothers were found in separate areas of the home, according to reports.
A Father’s Search for Answers
The deaths have left the boys’ father, Scott Pitre, facing an unimaginable loss.
In comments to local media, Scott described his sons as good boys and spoke about their very different personalities. Brian was remembered as outgoing, while Christopher was described as quiet, reserved and protective.
Scott said he had recently spent a birthday weekend at the lake with the family, reflecting on life and sharing peaceful moments before the tragedy unfolded.
Now, amid the grief, he says he is struggling with the question of why this happened.
For a father who has lost both of his sons in the same devastating incident, the search for an explanation may be one of the most painful parts of the tragedy.
Remembering Christopher and Brian
Family members have begun remembering the brothers through their lives, interests and personalities rather than only through the circumstances of their deaths.
Brian, who had just turned 15, was a freshman and was remembered for his interest in anime, Dragon Ball Z, video games, horror movies and cooking.
Christopher, 21, was remembered as more reserved and protective. His interests reportedly included rock and metal music and Godzilla, along with some of the same entertainment enjoyed by his younger brother.
Their deaths have also deeply affected the surrounding Waxahachie community. Neighbors and local officials expressed shock over the violence and offered condolences to the family. Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman said his sympathies were with the victims’ father, relatives and loved ones.
Investigation Continues
Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the shootings. The circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation remain under investigation.
Lemmon faces two counts of capital murder. She has been booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center and remains in custody. Later reporting indicated that her bond was set at $2.5 million, although initial reports said bond was pending arraignment.
The case remains active, and additional details may emerge as investigators continue reviewing the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
This remains an ongoing criminal investigation. Colleen Nichole Lemmon has been charged but has not been convicted. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
