McKinney, Texas – A welfare check at a quiet McKinney neighborhood on Sunday morning turned into a deadly and chaotic scene after police discovered a former city manager and his wife dead inside their home and later shot their adult son, who authorities say is a suspect in the killings.
Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery
McKinney police officers were dispatched just before 10 a.m. Sunday to a home in the 5300 block of Dunster Drive after family members reported they had not heard from the residents for several days. According to police, officers entered the residence through a back door to conduct the welfare check.
Inside the living room, officers found two deceased individuals who were later identified as Leonard Frank Ragan, 73, the former McKinney City Manager, and his wife Jackie Ragan, 72. Police said both victims appeared to be homicide victims, though the exact cause and manner of death have not yet been released.
Armed Suspect Encountered Inside Home
As officers continued to clear the residence, they located the couple’s son, Bryce Ragan, 34, inside a bedroom. Police said Bryce Ragan was armed with a firearm at the time officers encountered him.
According to McKinney Police Department officials, officers issued multiple verbal commands instructing him to comply. When he failed to do so, two officers fired their weapons, striking Bryce Ragan multiple times.
Officers immediately began rendering lifesaving aid until emergency medical services arrived at the scene. Bryce Ragan was transported to a nearby hospital, where police say he is listed in stable condition.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Suspect in Parents’ Deaths
Police confirmed that Bryce Ragan is considered a suspect in the deaths of his parents, Leonard Frank Ragan and Jackie Ragan. Investigators have not disclosed a motive or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the deaths.
Authorities also revealed that this was the second welfare check conducted at the home within a 24-hour period. Officers responded to the same address Saturday night after a family member reported not hearing from the Ragans. At that time, officers were unable to make contact but did not locate any signs that prompted forced entry, police said.
Community Reacts to Violence
The incident has shaken neighbors in the normally quiet residential area.
“I’ve lived here in this neighborhood for 15 years, and it has always been very safe,” said Zach Barrett, who lives nearby. “I’ve never seen any major incidents, definitely nothing like this. I’ve never seen anything remotely close to this in all the years I’ve lived here.”
Several neighbors reported seeing a heavy police presence, emergency vehicles, and crime scene tape surrounding the home for much of the day as investigators worked the scene.
Officers Placed on Administrative Leave
As is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting, the two officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident will be reviewed by both internal affairs and outside agencies to determine whether department policies were followed.
Police emphasized that placing officers on leave does not imply wrongdoing but is a routine step to ensure transparency and accountability.
City Issues Statement
McKinney City Manager Paul Grimes released a statement confirming the deaths and acknowledging Frank Ragan’s service to the city.
“We have learned that former City Manager Frank Ragan and his wife were tragically found deceased in their home,” Grimes said. “Mr. Ragan served the McKinney community from March 2008 to June 2010. Our condolences and prayers are with the family. We are unable to comment further while this is an active investigation.”
Investigation Ongoing
Investigators continue to process evidence, interview family members, and await autopsy results to determine how Leonard and Jackie Ragan died. Authorities have not announced any charges at this time, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Police ask anyone with relevant information to contact the McKinney Police Department.
As the investigation continues, the case underscores how welfare checks, often intended to ensure safety, can uncover tragic and complex situations behind closed doors.
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