Son found parents stabbed to death in Austin home; suspect in custody

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - A husband and wife were found stabbed to death in their home on Father’s Day, and police have a suspect in custody.

Shirley Ervin, 69, and Johnnie Ervin, 67, were found dead in their North Austin home by one of their sons, who called police around 11 a.m. He told police he had just returned arrived at the apartment to find a crime scene. Both of the victims had been stabbed numerous times.

Police made a swift arrest, taking one person into custody.

The double homicide saddened friends and neighbors.

"There's really no words that you could say to a child when they lose both parents like that,” said Teresa Newman, friend.

Neighbors referred to the couple as “Moms and Pops” because of their kind nature.

“It's just hard to take. You know, it just hurt that bad,” said Garry Medlin, friend.

Newman said the son who called police had been living with his parents and caring for his mom, who had recently been released from the hospital.

"I met the mom. she was a sweetie pie. You know, almost everybody in the neighborhood liked her that knew her,” said Newman.

The Ervins were active members of their Jehovah’s Witness faith.

"They were well known community members in the community, worked in the community and also helped people in the community,” said Andrew Holmes, community activist.

Autopsies Monday found both died of multiple blunt force injuries, and their deaths were ruled homicides.