Dallas Shooting Claims Lives of Mother and 3-Year-Old Son; Suspect Dies by Suicide

Dallas, TX — A tragic scene unfolded in Dallas this week when police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered a mother and her young son dead, along with the shooter who had taken his own life. Authorities say the incident was the result of a domestic-related shooting that has left the community reeling.

According to investigators, 53-year-old Lalit Pradhan fatally shot Ranjana Shrestha, 37, and her 3-year-old son, Pranish Pradhan, before turning the gun on himself. Police believe the victims were known to the suspect, and early findings suggest the attack was not random but driven by personal motives.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identities of the victims on Monday. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, along with the suspect, following what officials have described as a swift and devastating act of violence.

Timeline of the Incident

Dallas police said officers were dispatched after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the [insert neighborhood name] area. When officers arrived, they entered the residence and found all three individuals with gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but it was too late — the mother and child were declared deceased, and the suspect was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound.

The weapon, believed to be a handgun, was recovered at the scene. Investigators have not disclosed how Pradhan gained access to the victims or whether there had been any prior reports of threats or domestic disputes between the parties.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives are now working to piece together the events that led to the shooting. Authorities are interviewing neighbors, friends, and family members to determine the history between the suspect and victims.

“While we believe there is no ongoing threat to the public, this is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident,” a Dallas Police Department spokesperson said. “Our detectives are working diligently to provide answers to the grieving family and the community.”

The Dallas Police Department is also seeking any security camera footage from the area that might shed light on the suspect’s movements before the shooting.

Community in Mourning

News of the deaths has struck the local community hard, particularly those who knew Shrestha and her young son. Friends describe her as a devoted mother and a warm, caring person who was always smiling.

“She loved her boy more than anything in the world,” one neighbor said. “It’s heartbreaking to think that both of them are gone in such a horrible way.”

Community members have begun placing flowers, stuffed animals, and candles outside the family’s home in remembrance.

Resources and Support

Tragedies like this highlight the ongoing need for awareness around domestic violence and mental health crises. Local organizations are urging residents to seek help if they or someone they know is in danger.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

• Dallas Area Crisis Line: [insert local number]

Final Remarks

As the investigation continues, officials hope to provide the community with a clearer understanding of the events and any warning signs that may have preceded this tragedy. For now, Dallas mourns the loss of a mother and child whose lives were cut far too short — and grapples with the painful reality of violence