WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Three people are dead in a murder-suicide in Winston-Salem. Police said a father shot and killed his two children before turning the gun on himself.
Winston-Salem police responded to the shooting at a home on Water Lily Circle shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators said the father, 55-year-old David Lee Housden shot and killed his son and daughter.
20-year-old Alexander David Housden was a student at Winston-Salem State University. 16-year-old Kaylee Nicole Housden was a student at Atkins High School.
A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told WFMY News 2 she knew the family well and the son was soon to be married.
"He was working on his studies and his career. He was a hard worker and, apparently, him and this young lady had been together for about two years and just got engaged five months ago and she is absolutely devastated," said the neighbor.
Police said the mother was there and reported what happened. She was not hurt in any way.
Crisis teams will be available at Atkins High School as needed. Winston-Salem State University is also offering counseling services.
WSSU said Alex was a junior, majoring in exercise science. He transferred to WSSU in the fall of 2022.
"Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of Alexander, our campus family, and the community at large," WSSU shared in a statement.
WSSU's Exercise Physiology Department also shared a statement about Alex:
"Alexander Housden was one of the best students in the exercise science program. His aspiration was to become a physician’s assistant, and there was no doubt that he would. He was an ‘A’ student, who was always willing to help other students – the epitome of a good classmate. He engaged his professors in intentional conversations after class about his career path and academic journey. He was focused and insightful. Alexander was a unique person and a rising star. All his professors appreciated him and his originality. The students, faculty, and staff of the WSSU Exercise Physiology Department are all heartbroken and devastated by this tragedy that extinguished a bright light too soon."
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