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In Harris County, Texas, a tragic incident unfolded as a couple’s adult sons were awakened by their mother’s cries, witnessing her being engulfed in flames in a fire allegedly started by their father on Monday morning.
According to the Harris County sheriff’s office, the sons, aged 28 and 21, managed to escape unharmed from a house fire in the 6500 block of Desert Rose Lane. However, they were unable to rescue their mother and father, who had locked himself inside the burning garage of their northwest Harris County residence.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated that emergency responders were dispatched to the scene around 1:40 a.m., where Tuybach Ho, a 58-year-old nail technician, and her 62-year-old retired husband, Tien Trinh, tragically lost their lives. Investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide, with Trinh believed to have ignited the fire.
According to reports, one of the sons was studying for an exam before the incident occurred. Deputies were informed that Trinh became agitated and cut off the power to the home for reasons unknown.
The sons were awakened by their mother’s screams, with Trinh allegedly setting her on fire. Despite their efforts to extinguish the flames with water, they were unable to save her.
Subsequently, the sons fled the burning home for safety, only to hear their father’s screams emanating from the garage, where Trinh had locked himself in. Firefighters attempted to reach him upon arrival but were unsuccessful.
Sheriff Gonzalez expressed his sympathy for the sons, describing the incident as horrific and emphasizing the psychological trauma of witnessing such a tragedy.
The sheriff’s office had previously been called to the residence three times since October. Two calls involved verbal arguments, while in December, they responded to a mental health crisis involving Trinh. Allegations of drug use by Trinh have also been reported.
The medical examiner’s office will determine if Ho suffered any injuries before being set on fire.