Murder-suicide on county courthouse steps in Gatesville

A woman and a man identified as a prison guard both died in a shooting late Monday afternoon on the steps of the Coryell County Courthouse in Gatesville.

Authorities said the man and the woman were arguing over child custody before the shooting.

The courthouse was closed at the time because of the President's Day holiday.

A businessman who works on the courthouse square said he saw the man, who was carrying a gun, walk from a silver car and then shoot the woman four times.

He then shot himself, the businessman said.

A businessman who works about two blocks from the courthouse told News 10 he heard two loud pops shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, but said he didn't think much about them until he heard the sirens at short time later.

Sheriff's deputies, police and paramedics responded.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.