Russell Kirk Coats, a 56-year-old man from Slaton, Texas, tragically died on January 29, 2021. He was known for his dedication to working with special needs individuals and was well-loved by his family and friends. Coats was a former basketball player and Valedictorian at Dunbar High School, and he later attended Texas Tech University. He worked at the Lubbock State School and Daybreak Community Services, where he was appreciated for treating his employees like family.
The investigation into Coats' death revealed that he was killed by his son, Chase Coats, who was 34 years old at the time. Chase Coats had a history of domestic violence and had been previously arrested for assaulting his brother in 2019. On the night of the incident, Chase Coats shot at law enforcement officers when they attempted to stop him, and he was killed during the ensuing gun battle.
Russell Coats was found dead at his home in the 6400 block of County Road 7415 from multiple gunshot wounds.
The case drew significant attention due to the violent history between Chase Coats and his family. The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit conducted the investigation, and the Texas Rangers were called in to review the officer-involved shooting. Despite the tragic circumstances, no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Russell Kirk Coats is remembered fondly by his family, including his granddaughters, sons, and father. His obituary highlights his love for hunting and spending time with loved ones. The loss of Coats has deeply affected his community, and his family continues to mourn his passing.
