Police say a Rockport man admitted to killing his wife and attempting to shoot himself on Christmas Day. He now faces a murder charge.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Rockport man has been charged with murder in connection with the Christmas Day shooting death of his wife, following an investigation by the Rockport Police Department and the Texas Rangers.
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Alberto Sanchez, 65, was taken into custody and charged with murder in the death of Yanira Magdalena Sanchez, 50, both of Rockport, police said.
Officers were called to a home in the 700 block of North Ann Street on Dec. 25, where they found both individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Yanira Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene. Alberto Sanchez was found with a gunshot wound to the neck and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
At the time, Alberto Sanchez told officers his wife had shot him. Officials said that due to the severity of his injuries, detectives were initially unable to conduct a detailed interview.
During a subsequent interview, police said Alberto Sanchez admitted he shot his wife and then attempted to shoot himself. Investigators said those statements were consistent with evidence collected at the scene and with autopsy findings.
The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Yanira Sanchez’s death a homicide.
Officials said investigators are handling the case as a murder and attempted suicide. Police said there were no witnesses, and the couple were the only occupants of the residence at the time of the shooting.
The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rockport Police Capt. David Gerloff at 361-790-1110 or by email at dgerloff@rockporttx.gov.