Soldier found shot to death by her husband while kids were in the home, Texas cops say
An active-duty soldier was shot to death in her home while two children were inside but unaware of what had happened, Texas police said.
Police found 37-year-old Esther Gitau with multiple gunshot wounds the night of Feb. 21, according to a Feb. 22 news release from Killeen police. She was pronounced dead two hours after she was discovered.
Her 42-year-old husband, identified as John Mwangi, is accused of killing her, police said.
Gitau was an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Cavazos in Killeen, according to police.
Mwangi was arrested Feb. 23 at Fort Cavazos and charged with murder, police said. He is currently held in Bell County Jail without bond.
Gitau was a Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist assigned to the 1st Medical Brigade, officials told KWTX.
She had received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, KWTX reported.
Killeen is about a 70-mile drive north from Austin.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Soldier found shot to death by her husband while kids were in the home, Texas cops say."
