Ellen Rachelle DeHart, aged 42, passed away on January 3, 2018, in Taylor, TX. She was born on July 7, 1975, in Beaumont, TX, to parents Ellen Schmidtchen and Robert D. Herrin. Ellen, also known as Shelly, worked as a diagnostician for Round Rock ISD. She is survived by her daughter, Adalynn King, and son, Steven King, as well as her mother, Ellen Schmidtchen, and her father, Robert Herrin.
Ellen's death was determined to be a result of a murder-suicide.
Early on the morning of January 3, 2018, deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office were called to a home in a rural area near Thrall, TX, where they found Ellen with a single gunshot wound and her husband, Richard Lee DeHart, aged 48, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident was reported to have stemmed from a domestic disturbance. Other family members were present in the home at the time but did not witness the shooting.
The investigation concluded that Richard Lee DeHart shot Ellen before taking his own life. Sheriff Robert Chody stated that the public was not at risk and there were no further suspects. The case was handled as a tragic family incident, and no additional litigations or arrests were made.
Ellen Rachelle DeHart's death was a heartbreaking event for her family and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her work and family.
