Mesquite murders ruled triple homicide and suicide by medical examiner

Friends and family held a candlelight vigil in honor of the two children.

MESQUITE — The life of a 21-year-old UNT student was cut short along with her brother’s and father’s after they were shot and killed by their 44-year-old mother and wife. She later turned fire on herself, investigators said Thursday.

The bodies of Paulina Vazquez, 18-year-old Alex Vazquez, 44-year-old Marcelo Vazquez, and 43-year-old Angelica Vazquez were found early Wednesday morning, four days after police attended a 911 call reporting the sound of gunfire. Police said they did not find sufficient reason to force their entry that Saturday morning until they returned Wednesday.

“They noticed mail in the mailbox that was uncollected and newspapers in the front yard,” police Lt. Bill Hedgpeth said. “The decision was made to force entry into the locked home, at which point the officers discovered the bodies.”

A handgun was found in the master bedroom next to Angelica Vazquez’s body, while the bodies of her children and husband were found in other rooms. The Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled the events as a triple murder and suicide.

Family friend Gustavo Herrera said Paulina was home in Mesquite visiting her family for spring break. She was a criminal justice sophomore as well as a student assistant recently transferred from Richland College.

“Being in Denton far from her family and friends was something new for her and [she] always looked forward to returning home on the weekend,” close friend Gabriela de la Torre said.

Paulina Vasquez graduated Mesquite High School in 2010. She was part of the school drill team, and was also named Miss Skeeter during homecoming her graduating year.

“I’m still in shock and disbelief my best friend is gone,” friend Arial Flores said.

Friends of the two young adults held a candlelight vigil Friday night outside of the Mesquite home, and consoled each other as they reminisced their lives.

“She kept any memory of the present as much as she could and would say ‘we will laugh about this later in life,'" family friend Patricia Lozano said. “We love and miss her and will always cherish each and every moment that we shared with her.”