Nacogdoches Sheriff's Department investigates possible murder-suicide

According to a press release, the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office is investigating what initially appears to be a murder-suicide that occurred in the county on Wednesday, August 22.

Deputies and investigators were dispatched to the 3400 block of State Highway 7 East at approximately 8:22 p.m. for a reported suicide. Inside the residence, officers found Cornelius Ray Craft, 56, of Nacogdoches, and Terry Lee Romine, 48, of Jacksonville, Texas, both dead.

Both Romine and Craft suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Based on evidence at the scene, investigators concluded that Romine may have been the shooter.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene by Fourth District Justice of the Peace Brian Moreau. No other people were injured in the incident.

Craft was married to Romine's ex-wife, but the specific motive for the shooting is currently unclear. Evidence was collected at the scene and autopsies were ordered for both bodies. The investigation is ongoing.

Car break-ins

According to additional news from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, officials are investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred in the Douglass, Cushing and Garrison areas in the early morning hours of August 20.

Officers have taken reports of car break-ins on FM 2783, CR 161, CR 839, FM 1087 and FM 225.

If you notice suspicious activity in any of these areas – or if you notice your vehicle has been broken into, even if nothing was stolen – please contact NCSO investigators at 936-560-7777.

Car break-ins are mostly crimes of opportunity. Locking car doors, hiding valuables, and carrying keys are all effective deterrents. It is especially important to make sure your car is locked if you keep a firearm in it.