Fight after high school reunion leads to attempted murder-suicide in Montgomery County

A man is dead after allegedly shooting himself and his wife in an attempted murder-suicide. A man is dead after allegedly shooting himself and his wife in an attempted murder-suicide. Photo: Scott Engle/Montgomery County Police Reporter Photo: Scott Engle/Montgomery County Police Reporter Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Fight after high school reunion leads to attempted murder-suicide in Montgomery County 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

When Jason and Rachel Butler bought a tract of land in Montgomery, it seemed the perfect place to live out their dreams.

They could spread out and raise their children, have room for their dog to run.

But early Sunday, during a fight on the way back from his 20th high-school reunion, Jason Butler allegedly shot his wife of three years before killing himself in the driveway of that new Waterstone Court home.

The shooting came barely a month after the 26-year-old mother of two had filed for divorce, citing "discord or conflict of personalities," according to court records.

While the beloved salon owner recovers from a gunshot to her chest in intensive care, some friends and family wondered what went wrong.

"Nothing that I have heard today sounds like my friend - nothing," said Danny Pechal, who'd known Jason for two decades.

The 39-year-old's friends admitted he'd hit a rough patch. But, seemingly, he'd come through it with a newfound faith.

The week before the shooting, Butler took to Facebook with an effusive post celebrating his birthday and family.

"I just want to sincerely thank each and everyone for the birthday wishes," he wrote. "I am truly a blessed man and by God's grace have people who touch me in such a way I can only thank him for leading me down whatever path he wants me to go on."

He went on to thank his wife and "two awesome babies" for a beautiful birthday dinner.

Four days later, just after midnight, the couple argued in the car on the way back from his high school reunion, Rachel later told investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

"They had some type of altercation that was verbal at first but then became physical," Lt. John Schmitt said. "It continued to the house, and when they got here, there was evidence that there may have been another physical disturbance here."

Eventually Jason ran out to his truck to fetch a Ruger semi-automatic handgun from the glove box, authorities said.

He allegedly shot his wife at least once before shooting himself in the head in the driveway.

The wounded woman called 911 around 12:10 a.m. to report the shooting. First responders rushed her to Conroe Regional Hospital. She was listed in serious but stable condition, deputies said. She's not expected to need surgery, her friend told the Chronicle.

"She will be in there at least a week," Courtney Lee Stiles said. "She is still in a lot of pain."

Jason was found dead outside. The Montgomery County Forensics Center will conduct an autopsy.

The Butlers' two children - ages 2 and 6 - were with his sister at the time, so they didn't witness the shootings and were not harmed.

As news of the tragedy traveled, the couple's friends poured out their grief, some mourning Jason and others describing Rachel as "strong, beautiful and courageous."

"We are in shock but leaning on God for peace and understanding," Stiles wrote on Facebook. "Please keep her and her family in your prayers."