Tragic Shooting in Blue Ridge, Texas: Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child Killed
BLUE RIDGE, Texas – A man from Collin County has been charged with capital murder following a tragic incident involving the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend, Hannah Blanchard, aged 23. The shooting also resulted in the death of her unborn child, who was two-and-a-half months along.
Incident Overview
On Monday morning, local authorities received a 911 call from Carl Chrisenberry, 35, who claimed that he accidentally shot his girlfriend. Upon arrival, sheriff’s deputies discovered Blanchard deceased from a gunshot wound to the chest inside the couple’s trailer.
Details of the Case
- Hannah Blanchard was identified as a mother to a 4-year-old daughter, Hazel, who reportedly witnessed the shooting.
- The trailer where the incident occurred was located on property owned by Chrisenberry’s relatives.
- Despite Chrisenberry’s claims that the shooting was accidental, law enforcement officials expressed skepticism regarding his account of events.
Witness Accounts and Investigation Insights
According to statements from Blanchard’s family, Hazel provided investigators with a detailed report of the shooting, raising concerns about the nature of the incident.
“The investigator told me personally that Hazel gave them quite the detailed statement,” said Jacqueline Morton, Blanchard’s aunt. “She watched the whole thing.” Her recollection has been deemed crucial in the ongoing investigation.
Family and Community Reactions
Rebekah Jayde, a cousin of the victim, shared that Blanchard was excited about her pregnancy, having just discovered she was expecting a baby boy. “She was supposed to come here and show me the sonogram pictures,” Jayde recalled. “She had a name picked out and everything.”
The family characterized Blanchard as a loving mother who was looking for affection and stability in her life. They highlighted troubling signs in Chrisenberry’s behavior that raised alarm among relatives.
“They were very aggressive things, like the b-word, cussing,” Jayde remarked regarding previous incidents involving Chrisenberry.
Legal Proceedings
Chrisenberry now faces charges of capital murder involving multiple victims, specifically including the unborn child. His bond has been set at $1.5 million. Records reveal a history of criminal activity, including charges related to burglary, fraud, DUI, and drug offenses.
Conclusion and Community Awareness
This incident has left a community in shock, as family members remember Blanchard not just for this tragic event but as a devoted mother with hopes and dreams for her future. As legal proceedings move forward, the case highlights issues of domestic violence and the need for awareness about the signs of abusive relationships.