Some hotel guests were evacuated during the standoff. No one else was injured.Negotiators with the Harris County Sheriff’s office are trying to get the suspect to pick up his cell phone or room phone. pic.twitter.com/A2UJveB5fA
— Jeff Ehling (@JeffEhlingABC13) January 18, 2019
According to deputies, Edigin opened fire outside the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Huffmeister just after 7 p.m. Thursday, killing his wife. His daughter was also shot but survived the shooting. A child who was in the car at the time was unhurt, sources say. Sources with the Harris County Sheriff's Office tell us he threatened his wife before, with one incident happening as recently as January 6.Update on SWAT scene involving murder suspect Arthur Edigin at a hotel off Westheimer. Suspect considered armed and dangerous. pic.twitter.com/Tpaak6aTzk
— Jeff Ehling (@JeffEhlingABC13) January 18, 2019
A woman told us her husband and three kids were on lockdown during the shooting. Pam Ledesma said her husband told her they were in a gym closet praying the rosary during the frightening incident. "It's just crazy to see that stuff like happens, number one at a church, and I know we live in Houston, but at the same time, I mean, I don't know what kind of person would do that at a church when people are just trying to pray at night," Ledesma said. The Archdiocese released the following statement on the shooting: "Our prayers are with the victims and families affected by the tragic shooting this evening at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. Officials with the Archdiocese and the parish community are cooperating with local authorities in their investigation." Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church shared a message on its Facebook page letting parishioners know that they will hold regularly scheduled mass Friday at 9 a.m. and the offices will be open. The Catholic school and Genesis Early Childhood Program are canceled for Friday. Parents are still welcome to bring children as usual, but they said it will not be an official school day. "We are saddened that such violence has visited our campus. Though it appears to be an isolated incident of a domestic dispute, the tragic assault on the two women and the dignity of human life is heartbreaking. Please join us in prayer for the families of the victims. We pray as well for the police who are investigating and are grateful for their service. We join with all others in praying that the shooter may be apprehended in due haste and that healing may begin for all impacted. May God bless us all." From ABC 13Investigators are seeking Arthur Edigin, 62, in connection w/the shooting outside Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Huffmeister. He’s 5’4”, 144 lbs. Driving a white ‘08 Suburban w/damaged right front quarter panel. Call 713-221-6000. #hounews pic.twitter.com/sfLE503SYE
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 18, 2019