Statement By Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office On Murder Suicide

Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum

Release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office

Hopkins County, TX – Friday evening, January 31, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Highway 19 North, near birthright to a reported unknown medical emergency.  Once deputies arrived on the scene, it was believed that a homicide/suicide had occurred at the location.  The sheriff’s office conducted a comprehensive investigation that included an autopsy by the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office.  The result of that investigation confirmed a murder/suicide had occurred. Evidence shows 54-year-old Joe Dan Edmonson took the life of his wife, 48-year-old Melinda Edmonson before taking his own.   Our prayers are with the family.