Houston Gay Couple Found Dead
An influencial Houston, Texas couple was discovered dead in the bathroom of their million dollar home to the shock of their neighbors, friends, and the gay community at large.
Ben and Rene Ruiz were recognized and respected among the gay community in Houston, and were active members in it for decades. When the two decided to get a common law marriage back in 1996, they became role models for other gay men in their area. Then then got an official marriage license in 2016.
“They were really kind of pillars of the community when they decided they were going to get married,” said Ben’s longtime friend, Edward Sanchez to ABC13, “This was before gay marriage was legal in the United States, this was before it was even legal to get a marriage license in Houston.”
Unfortunately, that historic relationship was set to end as the couple had filed for divorce in in March.
“I knew that they amicably decided that they weren't going to be together,” Sanchez said.
Police wrapping murder-suicide investigation at home on Markham Street pic.twitter.com/imOD00TCYv
— Jeff Ehling (@JeffEhlingABC13) May 4, 2018
Before the divorce could go through however, the two were discovered dead in the bathroom of their home on Markham Street near Weslayan.
Investigators say that they arrived at the home for a welfare check after a close friend called them in. What had alerted the friend was that he or she received a disturbing text.
Right now, police are still waiting on the coroner’s report, but they suspect that the cause of death was a murder-suicide. There however was no word on who had killed whom.
While the police investigation continues, people who knew the couple countine to mourn.
“It's not truly set in yet,” said Sanchez in reference to Ben’s death. “I think deep down inside I'm waiting to hear from him.”
“I hope that they find peace,” he added, “They deserve that, they deserve to have peace.”
h/t: ABC13
