Jayne Peters, the mayor of Coppell, Texas, a suburban town just outside of Dallas, was found dead by gunshot wound in an apparent murder, suicide Tuesday night. Her 19-year-old daughter was also dead by gunshot. That night, the mayor had missed a City Council meeting, and Bob Mahalik, mayor pro tem, now acting mayor, knew that something was off. Police arrived at the sprawling 3,850 square-foot two story brick home late Tuesday evening and immediately knew something was not right. Taped to the front door was a note and a key. The note told them to be prepared for something unpleasant inside, and the key was to the front door. Inside the home, police found both Mayor Peters, and her daughter had been killed by gunshots to the head. There was a semiautomatic handgun found at the scene, and no signs of a struggle. The mayor had left three other notes in the house, not to offer an explanation for events, but to offer wishes for managing family affairs, such as care for the dogs.
The town of Coppell is perplexed and dismayed by the turn of events. No one could imagine anything in Peters’ life to cause such a tragedy to occur. She is remembered as a valuable citizen who loved being mayor and attended many events throughout the town. Corrine, her 19 year-old daughter, had graduated from Coppell High School this year and was slated to attend the University of Texas in the fall.
David Breston is a Houston criminal defender in Houston Texas. If you or a loved need a Houston criminal defender call David Breston at 713 224 4040.
