Three children killed, two injured in Italy, Texas

ITALY, Texas – The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of three children in an attack that injured two more children.

All five children were found in a home in Italy after Child Protective Services visited the home and found the victims on Friday afternoon.

The home where investigators say the children were found dead is right across the street from Stafford Elementary School in Italy. Relatives said that some of the victims went to school.

At 4:00 pm, a CPS officer called 911 from a home on Harris Street. Ellis County deputies arrived at the scene and found three children dead in the house. Two more children were injured and were taken to nearby hospitals.

The children’s ages have not been released, but neighbors and family members say they are starting ages and even younger.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect is in custody.

Details about how the children were killed or injured, who the suspect is, whether the suspect is related to the children, and what the motives are in this case, they do not disclose.

DPS also assisted in the death investigation.

Investigators did not answer any questions or answer why CPS was at home at all.

“When we arrived, we found several victims on the spot,” said Jerry Cosby, Ellis County MP. “Three dead were found in the house. All victims are children. Two children were taken to local hospitals. The suspect has been arrested.”

“It is unfortunate to hear such things here. The pressure is real. Whatever happens in this situation, I don’t know,” neighbor Benny Turner said. “We do not understand. We have to look after these children.”

“I just want everyone to know that they are beautiful angels. I love them,” said Shamelia Anderson. “God doesn’t make mistakes. And I mean they got wings. It hurt me so much.”

Anderson said she is connected to the family and will help babysit when grandma is not around. She said that the grandmother was the guardian of the children.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office said it believes this is an isolated case and there is no danger to the public.