A quiet holiday evening turned into a tragedy when four people were discovered dead inside a home on the 200 block of Rash Lane in Terrell, Texas, on Christmas Eve. Police arrived just before 5:30 p.m. and found the bodies, sparking an investigation that has left the community in shock.
The Investigation
Terrell Police released a press statement that the incident began as a welfare concern. Officers were called to the address on the 200 block of Rash Lane shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the day before Christmas. When they arrived, they found four people deceased at the scene.
The press release notes that the victims’ names are not being released because the police are still working to identify them and notify family members. Police have stated that the incident is believed to be isolated and that there is no threat to the public.
Community Reactions
Kathern Limmer, who was cooking for Christmas Day when she looked out her window, described the scene:
> “There was police cars everywhere,” she said.
The next day, Limmer and her husband, Johnny, learned what had happened to their neighbor across the street. Limmer, with tears in her eyes, said:
> “It’s four people that’s gone. That loved ones somewhere,” she said.
She added that the timing of the tragedy was especially painful:
> “This was the day before Christmas, and their family had Christmas without them,” she said.
Johnny expressed his disbelief:
> “How could you go and come outside every day and look at the house and know what happened?” he said. “Kind of mind-boggling, really.”
Stephanie Turner, who lives down the street, recounted seeing police presence while her son and other family members were playing outside:
> “They weren’t sure what it was, but we just knew that it wasn’t right,” she said, noting that she saw police between 5:30 p.m. and around 1 a.m.
Turner emphasized the strength of the neighborhood:
> “This is a really good neighborhood. People love on each other here and all that good stuff,” she said.
She also shared her personal connection to the grieving family:
> “I know that one of the family members that I am in contact with, I know that she’s grieving. And I know the family is grieving. And they all are trying to find understanding,” she said.
Turner described the emotional toll:
> “It’s hurt, it’s tears, this is going to separate their family, this is going to tear up their family, you know? Because nobody knows why, nobody knows how, or what caused this or what brought this on. All they know is they got family members that are gone,” she added.
She called the event heartbreaking and highlighted the lasting impact on the community’s holiday celebrations:
> “Every time they think about celebrating Christmas, or even Christmas Eve… these people are going to go through some trauma,” Turner said.
Police Statement and Call for Information
Terrell Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 469-474-2700. The department reiterated that the situation is considered an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Key Takeaways
- Four residents were found dead in a home on the 200 block of Rash Lane in Terrell on Christmas Eve.
- Police arrived just before 5:30 p.m. and confirmed the bodies; victims’ names are withheld pending identification.
- The incident is deemed isolated, with no threat to the community, and police are seeking additional information.
The tragedy has left neighbors and the broader community grappling with the loss of four lives on a holiday that should have been filled with joy. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering what led to this devastating event while offering support to those affected.
