Lubbock, Texas — A tragic family dispute in Lubbock turned deadly this week after a 78-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his own son, according to officials from the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the incident happened Wednesday evening at a home on 126th Street, where deputies responded to a 911 call around 7:20 p.m. What made the situation even more shocking was that the call reportedly came from the suspect himself.
What Happened
According to investigators, the caller — identified as 78-year-old Michael Vernie Owens — told dispatchers he had just shot his son. When deputies arrived at the property, they found 37-year-old Michael Joseph Owens with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Officials said the elder Owens approached deputies at the scene and admitted to being the victim’s father. The situation quickly unfolded into a homicide investigation as details began to emerge.
Dispute Over Money and Ongoing Conflict
During questioning, Owens told authorities that tensions between him and his son had been building for months. He claimed his son had been withdrawing money from his bank account without permission and had allegedly threatened him multiple times in the past.
Investigators noted that none of the alleged prior assaults or threats had been formally reported to law enforcement.
On the day of the incident, Owens said he had gone to open a new bank account in an attempt to prevent further access to his funds. When he returned home, he was confronted by his son near an RV parked on the property.
According to court documents, Owens told deputies that his son threatened him again, allegedly saying, “I’m going to kill you,” before making a move toward him.
The Fatal Moment
That confrontation ended in gunfire. Owens told investigators that he reacted by shooting his son in the head.
“I think I snapped,” he allegedly said during questioning. “I either snapped or had enough.”
The shooting happened quickly, bringing a fatal end to what authorities describe as a long-standing and escalating conflict between father and son.
Investigation and Charges
Michael Vernie Owens has been arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held at the Lubbock County Detention Center on a bond set at $250,000.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to review evidence and statements related to the case.
A Tragic Outcome
The incident highlights how unresolved family disputes, especially those involving finances and personal safety concerns, can escalate into irreversible consequences. Authorities have not released additional details about the relationship dynamics beyond what has been shared in court filings.
Further updates are expected as the case moves through the legal process.
