Tragedy struck early this morning as two women, aged 39 and 22, were fatally shot in a Houston residence at 133 East 37th Street around 1:40 a.m.

According to the Houston police, patrol officers responded to reports of gunfire and upon arrival, found the victims with multiple gunshot wounds and despite the prompt arrival of paramedics, both women were pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation thus far has revealed that the shooter, whose face was concealed at the time of the crime, approached on foot, fired into the residence multiple times, and then escaped on foot into the cover of night.

The identities of the victims remain unconfirmed pending further investigation by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. With details sparse and the killer at large, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Sergeant N. Miyako and Detective C. Bowling of the HPD Homicide Division are leading the inquiry into the heinous crime, and the Houston Police have provided numbers for those who may have threads leading toward the unraveling of this case, seeking tips that can be directed to the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, information may be given to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.