Police said they are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a six year veteran of the Dallas Police Department.
At 6:13 p.m. Saturday police were called to the Lake Highlands Landing Apartments at 7950 Forest Lane. They found the bodies of Police Officer Larry Tuttle, 40, and Otto Machelle Thomas, 42, inside his apartment.
“Preliminary investigation, indicates that the female shot and killed officer Tuttle prior to taking her own life,” said DPD Spokesman Officer Juan Fernandez in a statement.
Police said Tuttle knew Thomas, but won’t elaborate on how.
A 6-year-old girl was found inside the apartment, and she is now in the care of Child Protective Services, according to CPS spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales.
Gonzales said they think the girl is Thomas' daughter, but police are working to notify the woman’s family before her identity can be released.
"It's tragic. There was kids involved," neighbor Aaron Cano said. "My heart goes out to the little girl."
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Tuttle’s family told NBC 5 that Officer Tuttle loved his job, and loved working with the community as part of the South Central Patrol Division. He was described as a great father who loved his 10-year-old son. Tuttle's wife said they had been separated for a few months.
Neighbors told NBC 5 they heard four or five gunshots followed by a flood of Dallas police officers and SWAT officers.
"There were a couple of shots and then I heard a female saying, 'Oh my God, oh my God,' and then I heard another round of shots," said neighbor Trui Mitchell.
