Slaying Victims Found In Burning Home Were Shot, Stabbed Beaten

[Hellsbells]

SHERMAN, TX - More information is unraveling from the crime scene of a fatal fire Monday near Sherman that investigators are now calling murder and arson.

It's been nearly 48 hours since emergency crews first arrived at a home at 88 Reynolds Lane, the home on fire with three bodies inside. The Grayson County Sheriff's Office now says this is definitely a triple homicide, and there could be another victim as well.

The preliminary autopsy report is in with a cause of death for each victim It shows that 28 year old Cassandra Ballou was pregnant at the time of her death. The report by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas also states that all three victims, Ballou, her 25 year old sister Misty Ballou, and 30 year old Brian Ritchie suffered gunshot wounds.

Ritchie was shot multiple times and had blunt and sharp force injuries. Misty Ballou was also shot several times, and her sister, Cassandra, had only one gunshot wound, but also had stab wounds.

Sergeant Rickey Wheeler with the Sheriff's Office says, depending on whether or not the suspect knew Cassandra was pregnant, this case could become a quadruple homicide.

"When the homicide was committed, that's one thing we'll have to look into. Did the person know she was pregnant? Were they after just one person or were they after all three? It's just different aspects we have to look at," Sgt. Wheeler said Wednesday.

Investigators say there were over 100 pieces of evidence left at the scene. They are following several leads and tips, and the Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help as well.

http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/1...4.html?ref=534

Mistys myspace http://www.myspace.com/325864062

Cassandras private myspace http://www.myspace.com/cassiedawn2669

[MadeaBecBec]

The facebook page for Brian Ritchie is incorrect, or misinformed, the Brian (Lee) Ritchie in this story is only 30 years old, the one they're memorializing is 50 years old and I believe he's still kickin' for the band, ViolentFemmes.

SHERMAN, TX -- Tuesday, the names of the victims were released. 30-year-old Brian Ritchie lived in the home along with 25-year-old Misty Ballou. The third victim was Ballou's older sister, 28-year-old Cassandra. The sisters were identified by their father, Larry Ballou, who spoke to Deeda Payton about his loss.

Larry Ballou is a father of two. Monday he started his day just like any other day, went to work, ate lunch, then he got a phone call and that's when he says his world fell apart. "It's been a real drastic, experience that I wouldn't wish on anybody at all. I never dreamed i'd end up putting both my kids down at one time," said Ballou.

He realized his other daughter, his oldest, 28-year-old Cassandra was also dead. He says one a matter of seconds he lost both his children, his only children, in a fire that has yet to be explained." I can't say that I felt angry just feel like sad and hurt," said Ballou.

http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp...com+Local+News)
Cassandra has a facebook : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...&v=wall&ref=ts


Cassandra Dawn and Misty Yvonne Ballou and Brian Lee Ritchie

He said investigators could tell a fire accelerant had been spread throughout the house. "Apparently it didn't do the job they expected it to do and we were able to uncover a lot of evidence."

Asked if he knew why the fire in the manufactured home did not burn as quickly and completely as such structures normally do, Wheeler said investigators were lucky that was the case. "Once we got inside and the ATF began its investigation, they said the fire was intentionally deprived of oxygen because all the doors and windows were closed," he said. "The fire smoldered for a long time before it took off. ... It's a good thing for us, passersby were able to see it in time and the fire department was able to get there in time to preserve a lot of evidence."

Larry Ballou, father of the two women, said that between them, his daughters had three children. Cassandra had two and was expecting her third and Misty had one. "I just never thought in my life I would be burying my children," he said. "They are my only children. All I have left are my three grandchildren."

http://www.heralddemocrat.com/hd/New...sults-released
Brian Lee had a child, too!

Brian Lee Ritchie

SHERMAN - Brian Lee Ritchie, 30, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2010, in Sherman. Arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 25, at Dannel Funeral Home with Brother David Murphy of North Park Baptist Church of Sherman officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Dannel Funeral Home on Friday, September 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., Brian was born on November 21, 1979 in Denison to Bobby and Lisa Glenn Ritchie. He was raised and attended school in Sherman. He worked with his father in the auto body business. Brian was a happy spirit, who loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors., Brian is survived by his parents; one son, Blake Lee Ritchie of Abilene; one brother, Brandon Ritchie of Sherman

Cassandra and Misty Ballou

SHERMAN - Funeral services for Cassandra and Misty Ballou, beautiful and loving sisters will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 25 at Waldo Funeral Home. Rev. Raymond England will officiate with Justin Hayden, Jay Hayden, Jeremy Greene, Clint Putman, Curtis Hester, and Josh Sisemore serving as pallbearers. Burial will follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Cassandra, 28, and Misty, 25, both died on Monday, September 20, 2010 in Sherman., Cassandra was born June 30, 1982 in Sherman and her sister Misty was born November 23, 1984 in Sherman., Both are survived by their mother, Angela (Crocker) Ballou of Sherman; father, Larry Hugh Ballou of Sherman; and grandparents, Betty and Calvin Heald of Hope, Ark., Cassandra is also survived by her daughter, Rachael Renee Salazar and her son, Daniel Lee Gonzales, Jr., Misty is survived by her son, Blayde Phillips.

http://txobits.blogspot.com/2010/09/...-09242010.html

I wonder, if the killer/s were confused about this being the famous Brian Ritchie, too! Then Misty and Casandra were in the wrong place at the wrong time! You know how crazy stalkers are and all........

Tragic!!

[Hellsbells]

Single White Female, 24 years old, looking for companionship, possible long-term relationship.

I'm a very open-minded person, easy to get along with, and I love to laugh and have a good time. Looking for someone who loves to do the same.

I'm a slender beauty with smooth skin, deep brown eyes, and long legs. If you like what you read, you know what to do!

Kisses

Race: White Sexual Preference: Males
Date of Birth: 06/30/1982 Age: 24
Release Date: 09/28/2012 Marital Status Single
Height: 5'7" Weight: 126 pounds
Measurements:
Hair Color Blondish brown Eye Color: Brown
Religion: Non-denominational Children: 2
Education: G.E.D., working on college degree
Occupation/Career: Business management
Reason for incarceration: Drugs
Willing to relocate? Yes

http://www.cowtowninfo.com/personals/f071/f07-145.htm
http://www.cowtowninfo.com/personals/f071/f07-145.htm