A North Texas father spent Father's Day behind bars after authorities say he shot and killed his daughter while attempting to break up a physical altercation between her and her mother, according to the Parker County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Charles Tod Brooks, 61, has been charged with one count of murder in connection with the death of his 25-year-old daughter, Rebekah Bailey Brooks. The shooting occurred at a residence on Antler Ridge Court in Azle, Texas—a small city located approximately 15 miles northwest of Fort Worth.
The Investigation
Deputies responded to a 911 call about a gunshot victim at the residence on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately initiated lifesaving measures. Emergency medical personnel from Medic 71 and Fire Rescue arrived on scene and took over CPR efforts but were unable to revive the victim.
Investigators learned early in their investigation that the victim's father was responsible for the fatal shooting. According to the Parker County Sheriff's Office, Brooks allegedly confessed to retrieving a handgun, loading the weapon, chambering one bullet, and then attempting to separate the two women during the ongoing physical altercation between Rebekah Brooks and her mother.
It was Mr. Brooks' account that while attempting to separate the two women the gun was fired and the bullet struck the victim in the chest, investigators said. Brooks maintains the shooting was accidental.
"Deputies responded to the scene where they quickly located the victim, an adult female, and immediately started lifesaving measures," the sheriff's office stated in a press release. "Medic 71 and Fire Rescue arrived on scene and took over CPR and life saving measures but were unsuccessful."
The autopsy was performed by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, which confirmed the victim's identity. The exact nature of the dispute between Rebekah Brooks and her mother remains unclear.
"[T]houghts and prayers of the Sheriff's Office are with the family and loved ones of this victim," Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier said in a statement.
Key Takeaways
- Charles Tod Brooks, 61, is charged with one count of murder for allegedly shooting his daughter, Rebekah Bailey Brooks, 25
- The incident occurred Father's Day at a residence on Antler Ridge Court in Azle, Texas
- Brooks claims the shooting was accidental while he tried to break up a physical altercation between his daughter and wife
- Investigators say Brooks admitted to loading a handgun before attempting to separate the two women
- Brooks is being held in Parker County Jail on $2 million bond
- The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the victim's identity through autopsy
- Texas Rangers have joined the investigation, which remains ongoing
What's Next
Brooks' felony murder case had not yet been docketed online as of Tuesday, according to court records. The investigation is ongoing, with Texas Rangers assisting the Parker County Sheriff's Office. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the family dispute that prompted Brooks to arm himself before intervening.
Law&Crime reached out to the Parker County Sheriff's Office for additional details, but the office did not immediately respond.