North Texas Faces Dark Holiday with Domestic Violence Surge

A Series of Tragic Incidents

Terrell: Family Tragedy on Christmas Eve

• A family of four lost their lives in a domestic violence incident.
• Victims:
• Philip Dale Humphrey
• Sherry Lynn Bostick
• A 12-year-old boy
• Perpetrator: Casey Dale Humphrey, who took his own life.
• Status: Investigation ongoing.

Haslet: Officer-Involved Shooting

• Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance.
• One man detained; officer-involved shooting occurred.
• A man was rushed to the hospital before investigators intervened.

Grand Prairie: Father Turns Gun on Family

• A 62-year-old man shot his son before killing himself and his wife.

McKinney: Former City Manager and Wife Found Dead

• Leonard Ragan and his wife Jackie were shot.
• Their son, Bryce Ragan, was arrested after refusing officers' commands.

Understanding the Rise in Holiday Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a year-round issue, but holidays often see an increase in cases.

Key Risk Factors

• Presence of firearms
• Strangulation attempts
• Children in the home

Expert Insight

Ruth Guerriero, Chief Clinical Officer at Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, highlights:

• Shelters see more clients during the holidays and summer.
• Abusers often present a convincing public image.
• Critical Action: Believe victims rather than question them.