"Nice" dad murders mom, seriously injures child (San Antonio, Texas)

Why is it that in 2011, reporters still seek out ignorant neighbors for an "explanation" as to what happened? Anybody who makes a minimum effort to educate themselves in domestic violence and would-be family annihilators SHOULD know that these killers often present themselves as "normal" or "nice" to the community. It's not some apparent paradox; in fact it's so predictable as to be nearly banal. These guys are nearly always abusive control freaks with a long history of disturbing behavior. Very often the victims do NOT report this behavior to the police--partly out of a (justified) fear of retaliation, and partly because of a (justified) fear that they will not be believed because the perpetrator seems so "nice" to the outside world. Asking what "triggered" these events--as if they came out of the blue--is the wrong question.

SHANNON SMITH is the latest dad to "allegedly" attack his family.

http://www.kens5.com/news/Police-Father-kills-wife-attacks-kids-119551969.html

Police: Father kills wife, attacks kidsSAN ANTONIO-- New Braunfels Police said a man brutally killed his wife and seriously injured one of his children.

At last check, University Hospital listed the child in critical condition. Police continue to desperately search for the man who attacked the young child, his own father.

In a moment’s time, a charming and pristine neighborhood turned into a crime scene.

"It was a shock. I would have never thought; not at that house," Susan Miller said.

Susan Miller is one of the many residents in this quaint New Braunfels community shocked that her own neighbor stands accused of stabbing his wife to death and attacking his own child.

"He seemed nice to me. He didn't seem like that kind of person," Miller said.

Police responded to a family disturbance call at this home on the 300 block of Scenic Meadow last evening.

Upon arrival, they found Lisa Smith, 43, with multiple stab wounds to her chest. An ambulance rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police suspect smith’s husband, Shannon smith, 43, as a person of interest behind this tragedy.

"We do have a warrant issued for him and a $1 million bond was set," said News Braunfels Police Lt. John McDonald.

Police said that the couple’s two teenage children were attacked as well. At one point, the pair fled the scene knocking on their neighbor’s door pleading for help.

Police suspect the son sustained a stab wound to the chest trying to save his mother.

"Oh I feel terrible for the kids. I mean what's going to happen to them," Miller said.

Now neighbors are left wondering what could have triggered the husband to tragically turn on his wife after nearly fifteen years of marriage.

Medical personnel treated the daughter at the scene who had with non-life threatening injuries. Police tell KENS 5 she is recovering and staying with family.

Police believe Shannon Smith may be traveling in an orange 2007 Dodge truck with a Texas license plate of AW03046.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call New Braunfels Police.