Man crashes GMC pickup into house, kills wife and mother-in-law

A Texas man is in custody after driving his truck into a home and then shooting and killing his estranged wife and mother-in-law, according to authorities in Texas.

Stanley Earl Hardin, 57, is charged with two counts of capital murder, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

This tragic event took place on Monday afternoon on Shoreview Drive in Conroe — roughly 40 miles north of Houston — resulting in the death of 50-year-old Tara Hardin, his wife, and 80-year-old Floris Wolford, her mother, according to police.

At about 2pm, a 911 call was made by the defendant's estranged wife, Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle reported during a press briefing provided by Houston-based ABC affiliate KTRK.

The woman informed dispatchers that her husband had driven his vehicle into her residence and was forcing his way inside, officials said.

Soon after, gunshots were heard; Hardin had entered and fired multiple rounds, fatally striking the victims, as per police reports.

Both women were declared deceased at the scene.

In aftermath footage shown by KTRK, a black GMC Sierra pickup truck is visible, crashed and lodged into the house's front, having broken through vinyl siding, insulation, and a sizable window.

Following the shooting, the suspect fled to his son's residence on foot and requested a ride to his own house about 5 miles from where the murders took place, the sheriff's office stated.

Ultimately, the suspect peacefully surrendered to authorities at a home on Ivy Lane without incident, as reported by law enforcement.

SWAT team officers were present during the surrender due to the potential for further violence, the sheriff noted.

Investigators suspect the couple had recently parted ways, with Hardin's wife staying at her mother’s house during that period. All evidence suggests the separation was just beginning.

Speaking to the TV station, neighbours mentioned seeing Tara Hardin at the husband’s residence as recently as last week.

The couple shares adult children and had lived together for several years, neighbours added, saying any issues between them were not publically noticeable.

The investigation remains underway.

Hardin is held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond. The suspect has been identified as a military veteran by authorities.