Sandtrece Latoya Raliff, 44, was shot and killed in her southwest Houston home on June 16, 2016. Her 14-year-old daughter, Ariel Ratliff, also died at the scene. The deaths were ruled homicides due to gunshot wounds.

The suspect, Michael Ratliff, 43, said he acted in self-defense, claiming he shot his wife and daughter after they attacked him with knives. The medical examiner’s report and witness statements contradicted that account. He was arrested and charged with capital murder and denied bail as the case moved to court. Evidence presented at trial refuted the self-defense claim, and he was convicted of their murders.

Sandtrece and Ariel’s deaths drew significant community attention and raised questions about domestic violence and how self-defense claims are evaluated in court.