MAGNOLIA COUNTY, TX — Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide that left two men dead in Magnolia County on Thursday morning.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home in the 37400 block of FM 149 around 8:52 a.m., where they discovered 77-year-old Jeffery Love dead inside the residence. Love’s wife told investigators she heard noises and, upon checking on her husband, found him dead with multiple sharp force injuries to his head. A machete was located near his body, deputies said.
Just two minutes later, approximately 100 yards from the residence, deputies responded to a head-on collision involving a loaded dumpster truck and a Toyota Grand Highlander. The Highlander was driven by 35-year-old Nicolas Petropolis, identified as Love’s stepson.
Petropolis was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dumpster truck was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries, authorities confirmed.
Witnesses told investigators that Petropolis was seen accelerating into oncoming traffic moments before the crash. Dashcam footage obtained from a witness reportedly captured the entire incident.
Authorities have confirmed that Petropolis also lived at the same residence as Love. Based on the evidence and witness statements, investigators believe the incidents are connected and are treating the case as a murder-suicide involving family members.
The investigation remains ongoing. Deputies have not released additional details at this time.
