OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA: A probe has been launched into an apparent murder-suicide case that ended with 5 deaths in Oklahoma.

Ruben Armendariz allegedly fatally shot 29-year-old Cassandra Flores before killing her three young children — Hillary Armendariz, 9, Damaris Armendariz, 5, and two-year-old Matias Armendariz.

The 28-year-old man also shot himself on Wednesday night, August 16, in Oklahoma City but he and one of the children did not die immediately. They died at the hospital after being taken there by the authorities, as reported by USA Today.

Who was Ruben Armendariz?

Ruben was the estranged husband of Cassandra, also known as Cassie, the Daily Mail reported. He was also the father of the three now-deceased children. However, there was no confirmation yet if the man was living with them before murdering them.

There is not much information available about Armandariz except that he once allegedly broke traffic rules in 2020, ABC News reported.

Police probing suspected murder-suicide

In a media statement, Oklahoma City Police Department said, “This investigation is in the very early stages. Detectives are currently trying to piece together the chain of events that led to the massacre.”

Sergeant Gary Knight reportedly added, “Sometimes we just never know. Nobody seems to have seen it coming. If they did, no one alerted us.”

Community in shock after Oklahoma tragedy

The horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the community. A Facebook user wrote, “That's absolutely horrific and just so sad that poor mom and kids.” Another said, “Absolutely terrible 🙏😭💔 Bless their souls ❤️🙏.”

A third user shared, “When Oklahoma ranks at #1 for DV, and women go through every single right channel for help, and they aren't taken seriously, nothing matters until it is too late. In the last 2 weeks, how many mothers have suffered at the hands of men? How many children now have no parents because dad got his feelers hurt? We, women, are taught that it doesn't matter until it's too late. I'm so sick of this.”

“Prayers for supernatural comfort and healing for those left behind. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death amen,” someone else mentioned.

Another user added, "This is the saddest story I've ever heard. Those poor babies. What a POS!!!!!! Prayers for all involved."