Santa Surprise Turns Tragic as Family Murder-Suicide Unfolds
A Christmas morning in Grapevine ended in horror when a father dressed as Santa killed six family members before taking his own life
Grapevine, Texas, Murder-Suicide, Christmas, Family Tragedy
Grapevine: It was Christmas morning in 2011, and the town was buzzing with holiday cheer. Families were unwrapping gifts, and everything seemed perfect. But then, tragedy struck.
In a shocking turn of events, Aziz Yazdanpanah, a 56-year-old father, showed up at his estranged wife’s apartment dressed as Santa. What was meant to be a festive surprise quickly spiraled into a nightmare.
Within minutes of arriving, he opened fire, killing six family members, including his wife and two teenage children. The police arrived just three minutes after he called 911 to report the chaos.
When officers broke down the door, they found a horrific scene: seven bodies scattered among the remnants of Christmas gifts. It was a sight no one should ever have to witness.
Yazdanpanah’s niece had texted her boyfriend just before the shooting, excitedly mentioning her uncle dressed as Santa. Little did she know, it would be the last message she ever sent.
After the shooting, Yazdanpanah turned the gun on himself. Investigators later found two handguns at the scene, and it was clear that he had planned this tragic act.
Friends and family revealed that tensions had been high. Yazdanpanah felt unwelcome at the gathering, and his mental state had been deteriorating due to financial struggles and marital issues.
Despite the chaos, he tried to stage the scene, placing one of the guns in his brother-in-law’s hand. But the truth was clear: he was the only shooter.
This incident remains the deadliest crime in Grapevine’s history, leaving a community in shock and mourning. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow.