ELLIS COUNTY, Texas - An elderly woman was found dead and a man was critically injured Tuesday afternoon after deputies responding to a welfare check discovered both had suffered gunshot wounds at a rural residence near Waxahachie, authorities said.
According to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 3:20 p.m. on January 13, 2026, to the 4200 block of FM 876 following a request to check on the well-being of an elderly couple.
When deputies arrived, they located an adult female deceased at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. A second adult, a male, was also found with a gunshot wound. He was airlifted by CareFlite to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe the incident is isolated and have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit responded to the location and are conducting a detailed investigation. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
“My sincere heart goes out to everyone involved in this tragic incident,” Sheriff Brad Norman said in a statement. “The family and their loved ones will remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”
