LIBERTY COUNTY, TX — Police arrested a 60-year-old Cleveland man for first-degree murder after responding to a deadly shooting at a residence on Wednesday, in 200 block of N. William Barnett At 5:28 p.m., Cleveland Police Officers received a 911 call requesting a welfare check at a home. Upon arrival, they encountered a man outside the front door who told Officers he had shot a woman inside. Police immediately detained the man and forced their way into the locked residence, where they found a 38-year-old white female on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers began lifesaving measures, and the Cleveland Fire Department and Allegiance EMS also rendered aid. Despite their efforts, Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller pronounced the woman deceased at the scene.

Authorities identified the suspect as 60-year-old Lewis Burns of Cleveland. Officers arrested Burns for first-degree murder, and he is being held at the Cleveland Police Department Jail.

Detectives say Burns and the victim were in a long-term relationship. Friends of the deceased reportedly told investigators they had witnessed troubling signs of domestic violence.

The investigation is ongoing as Detectives secure search warrants, collect evidence, and conduct interviews. Police are also working to contact the victim’s relatives, who are believed to live out of state.