The police in Sugar Land, Houston area, Texas, United States, are investigating the death of a Nigerian couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide acts.
The husband and wife identified as Dr. Benjamin Okigbo and Theresa Okigbo were found dead at their Greatwood home on Friday morning, December 18.
The discovery was made around 10:05am at the Greatwood Subdivision in the 1500 block of Brookstone Lane. Police said the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
On Saturday, Police said that their investigation revealed that Dr. Benjamin Okigbo might have strangled his wife, Theresa Okigbo to death. He then reportedly attempted to kill both of his 21-year-old sons by strangling them before he eventually killed himself by hanging.
Both of the sons survived the attack with injuries that are said to be not life-threatening. They are both reported to be receiving treatment at a hospital.
On Friday morning, the couple’s daughter, who doesn’t live at the home, went there after she became concerned. She then called 911 and told the dispatchers that her parents were dead.
“One of the kids dialed 911 apparently there was a fight or disturbance going on inside the residence,” Police chief Eric Robbins said.
“When officers arrived, they found the couple’s bodies inside. They were both in their 50s.
“Many neighbours were shocked when they heard the news. One said the couple had lived in the Greatwood home for about 20 years. She said she spoke to the wife a few days ago and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“The investigation remains ongoing.”
Also, in a Facebook post, the Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Houston wrote:
“Dear friends,
The causes for grief in 2020 seem to multiply. I am very sad to inform you that Ben and Theresa Okigbo died this morning at their home in Sugarland. Their sons Peter and Paul were transported to Memorial Sugarland Hospital, but have since been released. Currently they are with their sister Laura, in the care of their uncle, Ben Okoh. This news is absolutely devastating for our Epiphany family, especially for many of our Nigerian members, whose lives and hearts were touched so profoundly by Ben and Theresa. We have no good answers, only broken hearts to bring to our Lord Jesus. And there is no better place for our broken hearts to be, than in his care. I assured Ben and Laura that their Epiphany family is ready to surround them with grace and mercy, and to be of any assistance we can to these three children who will now grapple with the loss of two parents. Keep them in your prayers. More information will follow as plans are made.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick Hall
Rector, Epiphany Church”