5 Killed In Apparent NW Oklahoma City Murder-Suicide Identified

Five people have died after an apparent murder-suicide Wednesday evening, Oklahoma City Police said.

Police have identified the victims as 29-year-old Cassandra Flores, Hillary Armendariz, 9, Damaris Armendariz, 5, and Matias Armendariz, 2.

The suspect has been identified as Ruben Armendariz, 28, who later died at the hospital, police said.

Police said a family member living inside a home near North Rockwell Avenue and Melrose Lane, found their relatives, one woman and two of the three children, dead.

The third child was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced dead, police said.

According to police, a man shot the four victims and then himself, but he was still alive when officers responded and when he was transported to the hospital.

What's the relationship between the suspect and 29-year-old victim?

Investigators said they believe Ruben Armendariz and Cassandra Flores were in a relationship.

“In regards to the shooter and victim possibly some sort of husband or boyfriend type of relationship,” Capt. Valerie Littlejohn with the Oklahoma City Police Department said.

How is the suspect related to the child victims?

Sgt. Gary Knight confirmed to News 9 that the child victims were the biological children of the suspect.

What are the reactions from neighbors?

A neighbor told News 9 he saw a woman drive up to the home and start screaming, and the next thing he knew 20 people were in the front yard. Cassandra's best friend, Jennifer Johnson, spoke to News 9 and said "It’s just not real. I never expected that of Ruben at all. Like he was so quiet, but they’ve been together since she was like 17, so you know they’ve been together for a long time."

Another neighbor said she never imagined something like this would happen, and said she saw the children playing in front of the house before. "Well, things like that happen. I guess we don't know why. I don't have any answers for things like that," said neighbor Carol Crowell.

The investigation is ongoing.

What is Domestic Violence?

The Office on Violence Against Women describes Domestic Violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship used by a person to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic Violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and involves behaviors that threaten, hurt, isolate, manipulate, humiliate, or injure another person. Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of developing social and physical problems or learning that violence is a normal way of life.

How does Oklahoma compare nationally in Domestic Violence?

The Domestic Violence Intervention Services said Oklahoma ranks first in the country for the most domestic violence cases. Oklahoma is third in domestic violence homicides. The Young Women's Christian Association reported over 43,000 domestic violence calls in Oklahoma in 2022, which resulted in almost 1,000 arrests.

For more information about Oklahomans impacted by Domestic Violence, click here.

What are some resources for Domestic Violence victims in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Domestic Violence hotline, (800) 522-SAFE (7233), and the 24-hour Safeline 1-800-522-SAFE (7233), provide assistance with safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking. The Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-3511 and the Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-3511 also provide resources for escaping abusive situations.

For the full list of Oklahoma Domestic Violence resources, click here.

How often do people experience Domestic Violence in the United States?

In the United States, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. On average, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive over 19,000 calls.

For more information from The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, click here.

What are some National resources for Domestic Violence?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 and the National Dating Abuse Helpline (866) 331-9474 for those in abusive situations or relationships. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (800) 656-4673 also helps in cases of rape or incest.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline (844) 762-8483 helps culturally-specific helpline for Native Americans impacted by domestic, dating and sexual violence.

The National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp (800) 422-4453) is for any child who is being abused or neglected. The National Center for Elder Abuse 1-855-500-3537 will help with elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

For the full list of National Domestic Violence resources, click here.