Russell Kirk Coats, 56, of Slaton, Texas, was found dead at his home in the 6400 block of County Road 7415 on January 29, 2021, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He had worked with special needs individuals at Lubbock State School and Daybreak Community Services and was remembered by family as a devoted grandfather and former Dunbar High School valedictorian who attended Texas Tech University.

Investigators determined his son, 34-year-old Chase Coats, killed Russell. Chase had a documented history of domestic violence, including a 2019 arrest for assaulting his brother. On the night of the incident, Chase shot at law enforcement when officers attempted to stop him and was killed in the resulting gun battle; no officers were injured. The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit led the investigation and the Texas Rangers reviewed the officer-involved shooting.

What additional details about Russell’s life or the events that night might help piece together what happened?