Mohamad Hossein Zarei, a 59-year-old Iranian-born man, tragically lost his life on December 25, 2011, in Grapevine, Texas. He was one of seven victims in a horrific murder-suicide rampage carried out by Aziz Yazdanpanah, who was dressed as Santa Claus when he attacked. The incident occurred at the Lincoln Vineyards apartment complex, where Zarei's family was celebrating Christmas.
Aziz Yazdanpanah, an Iranian-born father of two, had been estranged from his wife, Fatemeh Rahmati, and
their children. On that fateful Christmas morning, Yazdanpanah showed up at the family gathering dressed as Santa Claus, only to open fire on his estranged wife, their two teenage children, his wife's sister, his brother-in-law, and his niece. After killing six family members, Yazdanpanah called 911 to report the murders before turning the gun on himself.
The victims, including Mohamad Hossein Zarei, were found among the scattered wrapping paper and opened gifts in the living room. The medical examiner's report revealed that Zarei, along with his wife, sister-in-law, and niece, had been shot multiple times in the head. His brother-in-law was shot multiple times in the head, chest, and stomach. The two handguns found at the scene were registered to Yazdanpanah.
The tragic event shook the community of Grapevine, known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, and remains one of the deadliest crimes in the town's history. The motive behind the massacre was attributed to marital and financial difficulties faced by Yazdanpanah, who was unemployed at the time and a former real estate professional.
Despite the devastating loss, the Zarei family and the community have worked to honor the memory of Mohamad Hossein Zarei and the other victims through various memorials and remembrance events.
