Dad kills daughter, 4, wife and mother-in-law in murder-suicide after previously trying to drown girl amid divorce

A DAD killed his wife, mother-in-law and his four-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself, reports claim.

The four bodies were discovered in an apartment in Houston, Texas in the early hours of Thursday morning after the suspected gunman failed to appear for work.

ABC 13

Four bodies were found at an apartment in Houston, Texas[/caption]

ABC 13

Cops believe the incident was a suspected murder-suicide[/caption]

In a news conference, Sherriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the former couple were “going through the divorce proceedings” at the time of the alleged incident.

According to KPRC, the husband was connected to a series of domestic abuse allegations including slashing his ex-wife’s tyres and trying to drown his young daughter.

“Very tragic situation, especially if it involves a 4-year-old,” Gonzalez said. “It just breaks your heart.”

Preliminary information suggests that the wife and daughter were heading out to work and school when they encountered their husband, who began firing a series of shots.

It is believed that after the man fatally shot the members of his family, he then turned the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide.

A gun was found next to his body.

“No words to think…why take the lives of a mother-in-law, a child of all people? We just can’t fathom, but we see it far too often,” Gonzalez added.

“The opportunity was at hand and he carried it out.”

The Islamic Society of Greater Houston later identified the mother as Sadia Manzoor as they paid a heartfelt tribute online.

In a statement, they said: “Sister Sadia was well known by the community as an amazing human being, an exemplary teacher and an active member of the community.”