Mabank, TX — Authorities say a 29-year-old man from Hubbard suspected of killing three people in Henderson County early Friday morning is in critical condition after crashing into a Buc-ee’s store and shooting himself. The violent series of events unfolded across multiple Texas counties before sunrise.
According to Henderson County Sheriff’s deputies, the suspect, Christopher Kyle Reid Jr., is believed to have fatally shot three people at a residence in the Cedar Creek Cove subdivision in Mabank before 2:30 a.m.
Triple Homicide Reported in Henderson County
Deputies responded to a home in Cedar Creek Cove where they discovered three victims dead from gunshot wounds. Their identities have not yet been released pending family notification. Investigators believe Reid acted alone and fled the scene shortly after the shootings.
“We believe this was an isolated event, and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” officials said.
According to Express News, law enforcement across several counties immediately began searching for the suspect’s vehicle — a 2003 Dodge Caravan — which was later spotted in Ennis, Texas, roughly 70 miles away.
Crash at Buc-ee’s and Attempted Suicide
Around 5 a.m., investigators say Reid drove his van into the southwest entrance of the Buc-ee’s in Ennis, crashing through the front doors and pinning a pedestrian before turning the gun on himself.
The pedestrian, identified as a woman from Oklahoma in her 30s, was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, according to Ennis police.
“He struck a pedestrian during the crash and then shot himself in the head,” the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Reid was airlifted to a nearby trauma center and remains hospitalized in critical condition. As of noon Friday, his status was still unclear, according to Henderson County spokesperson Megan Hogan, who spoke to WFAA-TV’s sister station KYTX.
Investigation and Motive
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the triple homicide. Investigators are currently processing multiple crime scenes and reviewing surveillance footage from the Buc-ee’s location in Ennis.
Law enforcement officials are working to piece together the timeline between the Mabank shootings and the Ennis crash, including whether anyone else may have been involved.
“This investigation is still active, and we are working with local and state partners to determine what led up to this tragedy,” a spokesperson said.
Community Response
The shocking chain of events has left residents of both Henderson and Ellis counties stunned. Cedar Creek Cove neighbors described the victims as longtime residents and expressed heartbreak over the senseless violence.
Local authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing and to reach out with any information that could assist detectives.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims,” the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said. “We’re asking anyone with details to come forward.”
As of Friday evening, Reid remained under hospital supervision, and no additional suspects have been named.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the growing trend of violence in small Texas communities? Share your views in the comments below.
