Ruben Armendariz, 28, man from Oklahoma, kills his ex-wife and three children, ages 2, 5, and 9, before fighting himself in gruesome murder-suicide
- Armendariz shot and killed his ex-wife Cassie Flores in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night
- Police say they are still investigating the motive behind the tragic shooting
- The father of three was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead
Tributes have been paid to an “amazing mother” who was shot and killed by her ex-husband – who also killed their three children before turning the gun on himself.
According to police, Ruben Armendariz, 28, shot and killed Cassie Flores, 29, at her Oklahoma City home on Wednesday night.
He then shot their three children, Hillary, 9, Damaris, 5, and Matis, 2, before shooting himself at around 11pm.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and found five injured, rushing Armendariz and one of the children to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
The couple had married but had divorced, although it is unclear whether Armendariz was living with his estranged wife and children at the time.
According to police, Ruben Armendariz, 28, shot and killed Cassie Flores, 29, (pictured) at her Oklahoma City home on Wednesday night
He then shot their three children, Hillary, 9, (left) Damaris, 5, (right) and Matis, 2, (center) before shooting himself at around 11pm.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the murder, saying in a statement: “This investigation is in the very early stages.
“Detectives are currently trying to unravel the chain of events that led to the massacre.”
Tributes to the mother and her three children poured in, with her family describing the situation as a “nightmare.”
Flores’ sister, Rocio, posted photos of her loved ones online and wrote, “I can’t believe this. My babies and my sister. They’re all gone, this feels like a nightmare.
“I haven’t been able to say goodbye to them and I feel such guilt in my heart that I can’t stand it.
‘God is with us and he will never leave our side. Fly high my babies fly high my beautiful angels.’
Officers confirmed that they had not been called for domestic violence at the residence prior to the fatal incident.
Armendariz’s only history turned out to be a traffic violation in 2020 where he was convicted of driving without a valid driver’s license.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and found five injured, rushing Armendariz and one of the children to hospital where they were pronounced dead
Tributes to the mother and her three children poured in, with her family describing the situation as a ‘nightmare’
Police are still investigating the motive behind the murder, saying in a statement: ‘This investigation is in the very early stages’
Officers confirmed that they had not been called for domestic violence at the residence prior to the fatal incident
Sergeant Gary Knight added: ‘They’re still trying to figure out what led up to this.
“Sometimes we just never know. No one seems to have seen it coming. If they did, nobody warned us.’
The Western Heights School District would not confirm which of the victims attended their schools, but additional counselors are on hand if needed.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Homicide Tip-Line at 405 297-1200.