A North Texas man smothered his elderly mother in their Fairview home before taking his own life, police said Thursday.
Police say Kevin Scott Loudder, 59, smothered his mother, Tami Fitzpatrick Loudder, 83, while she was in bed at their home in the 1300 block of Shinnecock Court. Loudder later died by suicide in another bedroom of the house.
Officers were dispatched to the residence at 12:17 p.m. Tuesday after Loudder’s employer requested a welfare check. The employer contacted authorities after Loudder failed to report to work and sent what police described as a disturbing text message that morning.
When officers arrived, they forced entry into the home and found both Loudder and his mother dead inside.
Autopsies conducted by the Collin County medical examiner’s office determined that Tami Loudder died from smothering and ruled her death a homicide. Kevin Loudder died by suicide, the medical examiner said.
Police said officers had also been called to the home March 6 for a welfare check involving the same two individuals. After speaking with them at the time, officers determined neither appeared to be a danger to themselves or others.
Both individuals told officers they had counseling services available through their church and would seek help if needed, according to police.
Fairview is about 30 miles north of Dallas.
Mental Health Resources
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line connects North Texans with mental health resources customized to each caller. Call 972-525-8181 or visit HereForTexas.com.
The Texas Youth Hotline offers a 24-hour crisis hotline via call or text at 1-800-989-6884.
The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority serves those seeking assistance with mental health and substance use treatment. According to their website, they will reduce or waive fees for those experiencing financial hardship. Speak to someone on the 24-hour crisis hotline at 866-260-8000 or visit ntbha.org.
The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas allows those seeking help to speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000 or by visiting sccenter.org.
Metrocare offers North Texans a wide array of mental health services, including outpatient clinics, community-based support and rehabilitative programs, housing and homeless services, intensive family services and long-term support services. Their website states they provide services regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Call at 214-743-1200 or visit metrocareservices.org.