Man kills woman before lighting southwest Austin apartment on fire, APD says
Content Warning: This article discusses domestic violence. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “Start” to 88788.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department has identified the two people found dead Wednesday at a southwest Austin apartment complex.
While working to put out a fire at the Pearl Lantana apartment complex on Rialto Boulevard, firefighters from two bodies inside. Investigators have identified those individuals as Micaela “Kayla” Sanchez, 33, and Daniel Sanchez, 35.
“The investigation showed that Daniel shot and killed Kayla, started the fire, and then shot and killed himself,” APD said. “It appears Daniel set fire to a garage that they owned within the complex as well.”
The department said this appears to be an isolated incident. Images of the scene are below.
Additional apparent domestic violence incidents in Elgin, Cedar Park within 10 days
Elgin Police found two people dead in a home on Tuesday as officers responded to a welfare check on East 11th Street.
The two individuals were identified as Charles L. Cunningham, 82 and Sirley M. Cunningham, 73.
“The investigation suggests this is a tragic case of domestic violence — murder/suicide,” EPD said in a statement Wednesday. “There have been no previous calls to the Cunningham residence.”
On Feb. 2, two people died in an apparent murder-suicide in Cedar Park, according to police.
Lieutenant Justin Miller said the call occurred at 8:15 p.m. as a disturbance between family members. When officers arrived on the scene, they heard shots fired from inside the home. Officers attempted life-saving measures on the victim, but he was eventually pronounced deceased, according to Miller.
Family members said the suspect had possibly fled from the back of the home, which led law enforcement to search the surrounding area.
At 11:35 p.m., CPD said it found the shooter in a field not far from the home with a self-inflicted gun wound, he was pronounced deceased.
KXAN is speaking to domestic violence advocates about resources and warning signs. Check back for updates.
