On August 12, 2024, Karen Werner, 65, and her husband, John Werner, 67, were found with gunshot wounds to the head in their home in Chalk Bluff, near Waco, Texas. John Werner, a retired sportswriter for the Waco Tribune-Herald, had called 911 around 3 p.m., requesting police assistance at their residence. Upon arrival, deputies from the McLennan County Sheriff's Office discovered both individuals critically injured.
A suicide note was found at the scene, along with a recently purchased .22 caliber handgun. Both John and Karen were transported to a local hospital, where they were initially listed in critical condition. Tragically, both succumbed to their injuries by August 14, 2024.
John Werner had a distinguished 41-year career with the Waco Tribune-Herald, retiring in 2023. He and Karen, a retired teacher and journalist, were well-known and respected in their community. The couple shared a passion for hiking and had planned an extensive vacation in the Pacific Northwest following John's retirement.
The McLennan County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, which is being treated as a murder-suicide. No arrests have been made, and no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
