A Rowlett man shot and killed himself after killing his 14-year-old son, who attended Williams Middle School in Rockwall, Friday night near Lake Lavon.
Police said Roberto Acevedo Jr., 38, called police after shooting his son, Justin Acevedo, before turning the gun on himself.
Police found the bodies near an abandoned vehicle at Elm Creek Park, as Acevedo had told a Collin County 911 operator.
Both bodies received one gunshot wound to the head from a 12-gauge shotgun that was found near the scene. Acevedo told dispatchers that the gun was on the ground near the bodies.
Collin County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe that the incident was a murder/suicide, but they will not give a confirmation until the Medical Examiner’s Office makes an official ruling.
Investigators found a note in the abandoned vehicle that led police to believe that Roberto Acevedo Jr. believed his son would be sent to jail and would not be able to defend himself, and that he did not want his son to go to prison.
Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. John Norton said there were no warrants out for the son’s arrest. He also said he does not know why the father and son were at Elm Creek Park.
RISD’s Director of Communications Sheri Fowler said the district sent a letter home to all families with students at the campus and provided additional counseling resources at school.
“Several of his close friends were very upset by the situation, but our counselors were doing their very best to comfort the students and answer any questions,” Fowler said.
“Our main concern is just being there for those students, and we were definitely prepared for that this morning.”
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It is a tragedy when lives that have great potential are lost. Justin was a wonderful boy with a great spirit that many teachers, students and friends will deeply miss. We need to learn from this tragedy and take the memorable moments, many or few, of Justin along in our journeys in life. He was a good kid and will be remembered that way when we speak of him.
God Bless Justin and his family.
i dearly miss Justin i was one of his best friends i sat with him in lunch every day. i still cant believe that he died and i still don’t get why he had to have such a horrible death, i really miss him
Justin was an awesome kid!!!! love and miss him !
Justin i cant believe your gone. i try not to think about it. but it always pops up in my head. I miss you so much. i love you & i know your in a better place now
I love you justin and i miss you Justin <3