Murphy Police are investigating the discovery of the body of a deceased individual who had been reported missing earlier Thursday evening, says Police Chief GM Cox, PhD.
“Officers were called to the scene of the discovery near a creek bed behind his home,” he said. “The home is in the 100 block of Collin Court in far west Murphy, near Plano’s Pecan Hollow golf course.”
Preliminary observation indicates the death was likely caused by a self-inflicted gunshot, though the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination on cause of death.
The individual has been identified as Barrett Johnson, 18, of the Collin Court address.
“The family reported him missing around 6:30 p.m. this evening,” said the Chief. “He was last seen by his brother at 3 p.m. The victim and his brother are twins and attend Berkner High School in Richardson.”
Johnson, his brother and mother share the Murphy home.
An investigation has been opened to determine a possible motive, but absent a note, there is often little that can be ascertained from the scene.
“The important thing is the welfare of the family and his survivors, and we’ll do what we can to assist them,” added the Chief. “No other person or persons are believed to be involved and we’re confident that there’s no continuing danger to any other individuals.”
