On May 17, 2004, a tragic incident unfolded in Oplin, Texas, resulting in the deaths of multiple family members. Clayton Harris, 57, fatally shot his estranged wife, Vernadene Scott Harris, 52, her mother, Maurine Tedford Scott, 79, and her brother, Vernon Scott, 32. The shootings occurred at Maurine Scott's residence near Oplin. Following the murders, Clayton Harris returned to his nearby home, where he took his own life with a shotgun as sheriff's deputies attempted to contact him.
According to the Callahan County Sheriff's Office, Vernadene had recently separated from Clayton and had moved in with her mother. On the day of the incident, Clayton visited Maurine's home, and after an argument, he shot Vernadene, her mother, and her brother. Authorities reported that Clayton had a history of violence against Vernadene, including a previous incident in 1988 where he was convicted of attempting to kill her, for which he received a probated sentence.
The community was left in shock by this act of domestic violence that claimed the lives of three individuals. The investigation concluded that Clayton Harris was the sole perpetrator, and no other suspects were involved. The case was closed following his death.
