SNYDER, TEXAS – June 16, 2025 — A Town in Mourning: Community Reeling After Devastating Murder-Suicide

SNYDER, TEXAS – A deep and paralyzing sense of grief has blanketed the community of Snyder, Texas, as residents attempt to come to terms with a devastating family tragedy that unfolded on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that 38-year-old Jason Bond fatally shot his two children — 8-year-old Ava Bond and 6-year-old Mason Bond — before turning the gun on himself in what investigators are calling a murder-suicide.

The horrific incident occurred at a modest residence on the outskirts of town, in a neighborhood known for its quiet streets and tight-knit families. According to the Snyder Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Bond home around 6:45 p.m. following a 911 call from a concerned family member who was unable to reach anyone inside. Upon arrival, officers forced entry and discovered the lifeless bodies of Jason, Ava, and Mason in a bedroom of the home.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Jason Bond, who had recently been experiencing personal and emotional challenges following a separation from the children’s mother, may have been struggling with deteriorating mental health. While a detailed motive remains under investigation, authorities have not found evidence of prior domestic violence or a protective order, though they confirm there were signs of increasing isolation in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

Ava and Mason were both students at Snyder Primary School, where grief counselors have been deployed to provide support for students, teachers, and staff reeling from the news. “They were bright, curious children who brought laughter and energy to every room they entered,” said Principal Denise Hart in a statement. “We are heartbroken beyond words. Our priority now is helping our school family process this unimaginable loss.”

Community members have gathered outside the family’s home, placing stuffed animals, flowers, and handwritten notes near the mailbox in a growing memorial that speaks volumes about the pain and love felt throughout Snyder. “This is a tragedy no parent, no sibling, no teacher, no child should ever have to endure,” said Pastor Mike Granger of the First Baptist Church, which held a vigil Monday night in memory of Ava and Mason.

Friends describe Jason Bond as a quiet, hard-working father who had once been deeply involved in his children’s lives. But many admit that in recent months, they had grown concerned about his well-being. “We knew he was having a hard time after the separation,” said longtime neighbor Teresa McAdams. “But no one imagined it would come to this. If only we had seen clearer signs or reached out more.”

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a review of Jason’s digital communications, mental health records (if any), and interviews with family, friends, and neighbors. The Snyder Police Department emphasized that this is still an active investigation, and they ask anyone with additional information to come forward.

Meanwhile, the children’s mother, who was not at the residence at the time of the killings, has asked for privacy as she mourns the unthinkable loss of her two children. Family members have started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support Ava and Mason’s surviving relatives as they navigate this tragedy.

As Snyder comes to terms with this shattering event, the community is rallying around the surviving family members with love, prayers, and support. The story of Ava and Mason Bond — their joy, their innocence, and their lives cut far too short — will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew them and in the memory of a town forever changed.

Counseling resources are being made available to residents through the Scurry County Mental Health Center and local faith-based organizations, as the healing process begins.

This tragedy has served as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and community intervention. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis, please reach out to a trusted organization or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Help is available, and no one should suffer alone.