Waco, Texas — A family visit that reportedly began with a simple favor ended in a deadly shooting after a Texas man allegedly opened fire on his own cousin inside the victim’s home, according to police and court documents.
Michael Calhoun, 43, is accused of one count of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his cousin, 49-year-old Yotanca Calhoun.
Waco police said officers were called to a residence on Summer Avenue shortly after 9:45 p.m. on Aug. 9 following reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Yotanca suffering from gunshot wounds. Police immediately attempted to provide medical assistance, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Visit Started With a Simple Favor
According to a warrant obtained by local media, the evening initially appeared uneventful. Michael Calhoun reportedly went to his cousin’s home and asked whether he could take a shower because he was sweaty.
Yotanca and his wife remained in the living room while Michael used the bathroom, according to the charging document.
But investigators say the situation changed dramatically once Michael came out of the shower. The victim’s wife told police that Michael allegedly approached Yotanca and said, “This is for you,” before opening fire.
Wife Hides Under Table as Gunfire Erupts
The victim’s wife was reportedly inside the residence when the shooting began. According to the warrant, she immediately dropped to the floor and hid underneath a table as multiple shots were fired.
Police say Michael allegedly attempted to shoot her as well. However, according to her account, the gun eventually ran out of bullets.
The woman then managed to escape the immediate danger and ran into a bedroom, where she hid inside a closet. While she was hiding, she reportedly heard Michael calling out to her and saying, “Don’t do it.”
She remained concealed until she believed the suspect had left the house.
Victim Found With Multiple Gunshot Wounds
After Michael allegedly left, the woman came out of the closet and found her husband on the floor. According to the charging document, Yotanca had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head, neck, shoulder, chest and groin.
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The injuries proved fatal. By the time Waco police arrived, the accused shooter was no longer at the residence.
Suspect Arrested Blocks Away
Investigators quickly began searching the surrounding area for Michael Calhoun.
Police said officers located and arrested him later that same night along the 2600 block of Alexander Avenue, approximately five blocks south of the residence where the shooting occurred.
He was subsequently booked into the McLennan County Jail. Authorities say he is currently being held on $1 million bond while facing the first-degree murder charge.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Michael Calhoun have not been proven in court. A criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Police Continue Investigating Deadly Family Shooting
The circumstances surrounding the alleged motive remain unclear.
What investigators have described so far is a deeply disturbing sequence in which a cousin who reportedly arrived at a family member’s home seeking a shower allegedly became the person accused of killing him minutes later.
The victim’s wife remains a key witness in the investigation after reportedly surviving the shooting and hiding from the gunfire. As the case moves forward, prosecutors will have to establish what happened inside the Waco home and why the shooting occurred.
What do you think could have led to such a sudden and violent attack between family members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
