Former Nevada woman among dead after double murder-suicide in Sanderson Texas

© Copyright 2009 - 2016 Gray Television, Inc

(SANDERSON TX) -- The Sanderson Texas community is in shock after one of the worst crimes they've seen since the 80's.

The Terrell County Sheriff's Office says the double murder-suicide Monday morning was a well thought out plan.   

Persimmon is typically a quiet street in Sanderson, but after a shooting around 12:45 a.m. in the two story White House, all that was left were bullet holes and three lifeless bodies."Why, just why?," Tom McKinney, an emotional friend, said.

Mr. McKinney said he was inside the home when he was woken up by gunshots. "I was sleeping in my bed and I heard about 8 rounds go off and then a pause and then one more." 

Shania Ashbaker

The Sheriff's office tells CBS 7 that the gunman, 24-year-old Zachary Hastings, walked through the front door and into an upstairs bedroom. That's where he shot and killed 20-year-old Shania Ashbaker( formerly of Nevada, Missouri) and her boyfriend 24-year-old David Martinez while they were sleeping before turning the AK-47 on himself. There were at least 10 shots fired.

"This young man for whatever reason felt that this is what he has to do and it's very tragic. Miss Ashbaker leaves behind an infant," Clint McDonald, Terrell County Sheriff, said.

Sheriff McDonald goes on to explain that the shooting was a well-thought-out plan."There was a note left behind in Mr. Hastings residence. He played the whole thing out in his note"

The Texas Rangers assisted in the investigation, the bodies are being sent off for an autopsy. 

© Copyright 2009 - 2016 Gray Television, Inc

View a Gofund me page set up for  Shania Ashbaker at the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/2ct5rg3m