Five family members have allegedly been killed by an escaped inmate in Texas in an "unspeakable" crime.
Three brothers, their cousin and their grandfather were found murdered at the family's ranch in Centerville, located between Dallas and Houston, on Thursday, authorities said.
ABC News reports that an escaped inmate, who was killed in a shootoff with police hours after the family's bodies were discovered by law enforcement, is believed to have broken into the home and committed the murders, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
David Crane, a long-time family friend, told reporters on Friday: "Those kids were bright, shining stars."
The victims were identified as siblings Waylon Collins, 18, Hudson Collins, 11, Bryson Collins, 11, their cousin Carson Collins, 16, and their grandad Mark Collins, 66.
Andy Kahan, director of victims services for the group, read a statement from relatives saying they were "devastated by the loss of our dear family members."
"These precious people who loved and were loved by so many will never be forgotten," the statement said. "The impact on their family and friends cannot be overstated."
Authorities said the suspect, Gonzalo Lopez, 46, had no connection to the family. He was killed Thursday during a shootout with police after law enforcement south of San Antonio spotted a truck that had been stolen from the family's property in Leon County.
A GoFundme page has been set up for the family of the victims.
