Dad kills mom in murder-suicide; texts son about his actions (Rowlett, Texas)

Dad RICHARD LOVELAND is really some bastard. Not only does he gun down his wife in a murder-suicide, he thoughtfully text messages his son, just so he could inform him that "I just shot your mother." Such a fine, considerate, and fatherly thing to do, Daddy. Guess you just had to clarify what an @$$hole you really are, so your son wouldn't be left wondering, huh?

And the police ramble on about no motive. Seems pretty clear cut to me: Type 1 control freak/abuser. The type who must have an audience--even if only by text message--so everybody can share in the Daddy Drama. So everybody can experience the horror, trauma, and grief of Daddy's performance. So everybody knows that Daddy is Not Happy.

Over the years, I have been struck by how many victims are like this woman. Active in causes and organizations that help "troubled" children (or other disadvantaged persons), while remaining stoical and silent about the abuse and "trouble" in their own home.

Hat tip to Annie.

http://therockwallnews.com/2010/0622/crime/judge-3

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 Posted by The Rockwall News
Police confirm Rowlett judge killed by husband in murder-suicide

By J.J. Smith.

Rowlett police confirmed yesterday that Rowlett juvenile court judge and attorney Belinda Loveland was shot and killed Sunday evening by her husband, Richard, who then killed himself.

It was the third murder-suicide in Rowlett this year. There was also one across Lake Ray Hubbard in Fate, just east of Rockwall.

According to Rowlett Police public information director John Ellison, police received a call at 5:04 p.m. Sunday from the Loveland’s married son, Dustin, who told them he had just received a text message from his father stating, “I just killed your mother.”

Officers then responded to the scene in the 3200 block of Sunrise and attempted to make contact with the residents inside the lakeside home.

Ellison said after numerous attempts and receiving no answer, police entered the residence which was searched with the assistance of a robot provided by the Garland police department.

Inside the home police discovered the bodies of the 52-year-old judge in the master bedroom and her 59-year-old husband in the adjacent bathroom.

“It appears that Richard Loveland shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself,” said Ellison.
A spokeswoman for Rowlett said the city brought in grief counselors Monday to help adults and children who had worked with Loveland.

The judge created an after-school mentoring program for at-risk children in Rowlett in 2003 called Camp ROCK, which helps 150 Rowlett students each year.

“Judge Belinda Loveland was not only a wonderful public servant but also a good friend of mine,” said Rowlett Mayor Dr. John Harper.

“This tragic event has taken away a talented and caring leader who devoted her life to helping troubled kids. She will be greatly missed in so many ways. I ask for everyone to pray for her son who now has to deal with a loss of both mother and father in such a horrendous act.”

Richard Loveland was self-employed and owned several businesses.

Police are still investigating the case and do not yet know the motive for the shootings. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available, said Ellison.