**Headline: Apparent Murder-Suicide in West Houston Leaves Three Children Without Parents, Highlighting Domestic Violence Crisis**

**WEST HOUSTON, TX** – A quiet Monday afternoon was shattered by a tragic act of domestic violence in a west Houston apartment, where authorities say a man killed a woman before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide. The incident, which occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Meadowglen Lane, left three young children physically unharmed but orphaned.

The devastating event has cast a harsh light on the prevalence of domestic violence in the region. According to available data, nearly one in four homicides in Houston since January have been related to domestic violence, a statistic that advocates say points to a deepening crisis.

A neighbor, Deborah McMillan, recounted her previous interactions with the female victim, noting that the woman had been struggling in the relationship but was hesitant to leave due to her children.

“She came over a few times, asking to use the phone,” McMillan said. “I would talk to her, try to tell her, ‘Hey, it’s not worth it.'”

McMillan described the heart-wrenching scene after the tragedy, focusing on the state of the children who had witnessed the unimaginable. “The little ones, you could tell they were hungry and thirsty,” she recalled. “The oldest one is who hurts me the most because she was vivid in details of what she had witnessed with her parents.”

The incident underscores a grim reality for victims of domestic abuse. Statewide data reveals that 72% of domestic violence victims are killed in their own homes. Jacklyn Guerra, the director of Legal Advocacy Services at the Houston Area Women’s Center, explained that the most dangerous time for a victim is often when they attempt to flee.

“Most crimes occur when the victim is trying to leave the abusive relationship,” Guerra stated, emphasizing the need for community awareness and support. “It’s important for our community to understand that the same victims that you’re seeing in the news could be your sister, it could be a friend.”

Guerra offered a message of hope and empowerment for those trapped in similar situations. “Don’t think this is your only way to live, to stay in a situation like this,” she urged. “It’s not, believe me.”

For McMillan, the tragedy next door served as a painful reminder of the urgency for victims to seek help. Her advice is direct and born from a neighbor’s grief: “Get away. That is my main thing. Get away. I know it’s hard. It’s scary.”

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The three children are reportedly safe and receiving care.