Franklin Frakes, 72, a White male, was found shot to death alongside his wife, Florentina, inside their home on Fitzwater Drive in Spring, Texas, on May 16, 2025. Deputies responded after concerns were raised the following evening, finding both victims with multiple gunshot wounds in what authorities described as a violent scene inside the residence.
Early reports indicated the killings occurred the night before, and that the family’s quiet neighborhood had given little hint of the tragedy unfolding behind a closed front door.
Within days, investigators focused on the couple’s son, Benjamin Frakes, 39, alleging he forced his way into the house and opened fire. Prosecutors later outlined a picture of long-simmering family tensions and an argument over money that day; when Franklin refused a request, Benjamin allegedly shot Florentina first. Franklin fought back and wounded his son during the struggle, but was ultimately killed. Detectives said Benjamin fled afterward, even pawning his father’s watch before disappearing into the city.
A regional manhunt ended when deputies tracked Benjamin to the Dog House Poker Club, where he was arrested on May 21 and charged with two counts of capital murder. At the time of the arrest, officials also reported finding controlled substances in his possession. A judge set bond at $5 million as the case moved into its first court hearings, where prosecutors emphasized his history of conflict with his father and the alleged financial motive. If convicted, Benjamin Frakes faces either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
