In a tragic incident on the evening of April 22, 2026, 37-year-old Michael Joseph Owens was fatally shot at a residence in Lubbock, Texas. The event unfolded around 7:20 p.m. in the 1600 block of 126th Street, prompting a response from the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office after a chilling 911 call.
The caller, who identified himself as the shooter, was 78-year-old Michael Vernie Owens, the victim's father.
When deputies arrived at the suburban home, they discovered Michael Joseph Owens with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His father, Michael Vernie Owens, was still at the scene and surrendered to the authorities without incident.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a history of conflict between the father and son, reportedly centered around financial matters. According to court documents, the elder Owens informed investigators that his son had been withdrawing money from his bank account. On the day of the shooting, Michael Vernie Owens had opened a new bank account to prevent his son from accessing his funds.
He recounted to deputies that upon returning home, he was confronted by his son. The confrontation escalated, leading the elder Owens to fatally shoot his son. Following his arrest, Michael Vernie Owens was charged with murder and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center.
