Family of Six Found Dead in Texas

LUFKIN, Texas (AP) â€” Marital and financial problems may have prompted a man to kill his wife and four children before turning the gun on himself, police said. <br><br>Neighbors found Lucio Franco, 24,

Friday, January 26th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LUFKIN, Texas (AP) â€” Marital and financial problems may have prompted a man to kill his wife and four children before turning the gun on himself, police said.

Neighbors found Lucio Franco, 24, his wife Maria, 21, and their children â€” age 10 months to 5 years â€” shot to death in their mobile home outside Lufkin, about 115 miles northeast of Houston.

``This is something you just can't comprehend,'' said neighbor Pedro Sanchez. ``We talked about problems with paying bills, just like everyone. But he never showed signs the problems weighed him down.''

Sanchez and his daughter Nancy made the discovery Wednesday night after they had gone to the Francos' trailer to lend them an electric skillet.

Angelina County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jim Casper said interviews indicate the couple had ongoing marital and financial problems that may have been a motive for the shootings. He did not elaborate.

Police said the shootings occurred Tuesday morning.