HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man set himself and his wife on fire early Monday morning in an apparent murder-suicide, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
This happened on Desert Rose Lane, near the intersection of Antoine Drive and Fallbrook Drive in north Harris County. The sheriff first posted about the incident on X, formerly Twitter at 2:58 a.m.
Gonzalez later identified the couple as Tuybach Ho, 58, and her husband, Tien Trinh, 62.
Deputies were called to the home and tried to get in through the garage, but it was engulfed in flames, Gonzalez said.
A disturbance at the home around 1:40 a.m. escalated when Trinh turned off the power to the house while one of his adult sons was studying for an exam he was supposed to take Monday, according to Gonzalez.
The couple kept arguing after their sons, ages 28 and 21, went to bed, Gonzalez said. The sons were awakened by their mother's screaming after their father set her on fire. They tried to pour water on their mother and put the fire out but they were unsuccessful. As the fire started to spread, the two ran out, Gonzalez said. When they got outside, they heard their father scream.
The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. Their sons were checked out by a medical crew and did not appear to be injured, according to Gonzalez.
Investigators believe Trinh acted alone in killing his wife and himself. An autopsy will determine if the wife suffered other injuries.
Family members told deputies there is a history of domestic violence between the couple and there were two previous calls to the home in December and again in January. Gonzalez said the man had a history of drug use, according to the family.
The fire is being investigated by the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office while the sheriff's office is investigating the deaths.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.
Resources for suicide prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.