On June 3, 2023, 47-year-old Sheryl Ann (Kizer) McMinn was tragically killed in a murder-suicide incident in Port Arthur, Texas. The event occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the Capital One Bank located at 2950 FM 365. Sheryl was in her car, positioned in the drive-thru lane, when her estranged husband, 57-year-old Harold McMinn, approached. He drove his vehicle perpendicular to hers, exited, and fired multiple shots through her windshield, fatally striking her in the head.
After the shooting, Harold returned to his car, drove a short distance within the parking lot, and then shot himself in the head. He was transported to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he later died.
Sheryl and Harold had been married on September 28, 2022, but were separated at the time of the incident. Sheryl had just finished her shift at a nearby IHOP restaurant, where she was employed and participating in a leadership development program. Her colleagues remembered her as a kind, caring, and ambitious individual who was eager to advance in her career. Robert Tomlinson, IHOP East Texas Director of Operations, noted that Sheryl was "bursting with high standards and loved people," highlighting her natural, fun demeanor and dedication to her work.
The murder-suicide was a shock to the Port Arthur community, with many expressing their grief and condolences. Justice of the Peace Brad Burnett ordered autopsies for both Sheryl and Harold to further investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The Port Arthur Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident, which was classified as domestic in nature, with no other individuals involved or injured.
In the wake of this tragedy, Sheryl's employer and colleagues planned a memorial to honor her memory, reflecting on the positive impact she had on those around her. Her untimely death served as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence, prompting discussions within the community about the importance of support and intervention in such situations.
