A violent family crime spree in Titus County culminated in the death of 50-year-old Johnny Burleson on March 8, 2017. Laplace reportedly tied up his grandmother and demanded banking information; when his 80-year-old grandfather, Sylvester Harnden Jr., returned and refused to cooperate, Laplace strangled him to death.

Laplace then went with his girlfriend and alleged accomplice, Cheyenne Bigelow, to the Cookville home of other relatives. Early March 8, Laplace attempted to abduct cousin Jerry Burleson; Jerry broke free and a gunfight followed. In that exchange both Johnny Burleson and Michael Laplace were killed. Johnny was reported to have been shot at least five times and also stabbed. Jerry survived after surgery and was listed in stable condition.

Authorities arrested Cheyenne Bigelow and charged her with two counts of murder, aggravated robbery, and drug possession for her role in the events. Did anyone in the area know about tensions or threats in this family before March 7 and 8, 2017?