Police in Texas say a man accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife early Tuesday morning has been taken into custody.
The shooting happened at a home in the 2700 block of Gabriel View Drive.
38-year-old Ricardo Quinones was taken into custody in Columbus, Texas after fleeing the scene in Georgetown. Records from the 480th Judicial District Court show a petition for divorce was filed by the victim, Lindsey Quinones, less than two weeks ago.
The latest report from Georgetown Police indicates that they were alerted to the situation by the 13-year-old daughter. She called 911 just before 3 a.m. and said that her father, Ricardo, entered the home with a weapon and held her and her mother hostage. The child was able to escape the house through a window and into police custody.
Police report that while officers were trying to negotiate with Ricardo Quinones, they heard two gun shots and then entered the home. That’s when officers found Lindsey Quinones deceased. An officer outside the house reported firing his service pistol toward her estranged husband as he fled the house. Police did not reveal whether Quinones was struck or injured, but say the involved officer is cooperating with investigation.
The tragic event is shocking for the residents of the quiet Georgetown neighborhood.
“The policeman came and asked if I knew the people, and if I knew anything or heard any disturbances before, and I hadn’t,” said neighbor Peggy Cummins.
Cummins lives across the street and heard the commotion begin around 4 in the morning. “When I became alert at 8 o’clock or so, the police had blocked the streets off,” said Cummins.
Texas DPS alerted the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office about Quinones’ escape and said he was traveling eastbound on I-10. The sheriff’s office immediately notified Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Westside HIDTA task force and the Regional SRT team.
All of the agencies secured a perimeter and began searching businesses. They found Quinones’ vehicle parked in the AT&T store parking lot in Columbus.
Ricardo Quinones was taken to the Colorado County Jail and all evidence was released to the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Multiple neighbors say that the family was renting the Georgetown property off Gabriel View Dr.
Neighbors say their interactions with the family were limited, but a few days ago, Lindsey Quinones was going around the neighborhood looking for their family dog.
There’s been an outpouring of support for those that knew the family across social media sites. They describe Lindsey as a great friend, sister, and a hard worker. Social media also shows that there may be another child in the family. Georgetown assistant police chief Roland Waits says there is “talk of other children” but he does not have any information.
Police have not described how Quinones was able to flee the scene. We’ve learned that there’s an access road behind the house, which neighbors speculate may have been the way.
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