HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A death investigation is underway after police said a man killed a woman before turning the gun on himself at an apartment in west Houston.

Houston police said they responded to a welfare check at an apartment on Meadowglen Lane at about 4:15 p.m. on Monday. At the scene, they reported finding two people dead and three young children sitting outside, being helped by neighbors.

“The little ones, you could tell they were hungry and thirsty,” said neighbor Deborah McMillan. “The oldest one is who hurts me the most because she was vivid in details of what she had witnessed with her parents.”

The three young children were found uninjured and are now being cared for.

McMillan said she was devastated, but not surprised, when police arrived at the apartment across from hers.

According to investigators, the man shot the woman and then shot himself. Both were in their mid-20s.

“She came over a few times, asking to use the phone. I would talk to her, try to tell her, ‘Hey, it’s not worth it,'” she said. “Her main thing is that she didn’t want to leave because of the kids.”

It’s a tragic ending for a situation McMillan said she understands far too well, as a domestic violence survivor.

“Don’t think this is your only way to live, to stay in a situation like this. It’s not, believe me,” she said. “I survived. I’m out. I’m healthy, living, loving.

“It’s important for our community to understand that the same victims that you’re seeing in the news could be your sister, it could be a friend,” said Jacklyn Guerra, the director of Legal Advocacy Services at the Houston Area Women’s Center.

According to the Houston Area Women’s Center, almost one in four homicides in Houston since January are related to Domestic Violence.

Statewide, the center’s statistics show 72% of victims were killed at their homes.

“Most crimes occur when the victim is trying to leave the abusive relationship,” Guerra said. “You’re taking away the power and control from the abuser, and that’s when the violence escalates.”

“Get away. That is my main thing. Get away. I know it’s hard. It’s scary,” McMillan said. “They put it in your mind, ‘Hey, you’re worth nothing.’ You’re not going to be nothing.’ But you are something. You are loved.”

The Houston Area Women’s Center offers free and confidential help.

If you or somebody you know needs help, contact (713) 528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.

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