GRAPEVINE, Texas — A young man whose future was just beginning was found fatally shot inside his own home in Grapevine, Texas, early Thursday, November 12, 2026. Tyler Lynn Payne, 20, a recent high school graduate, former wrestler, and aspiring welder, was identified as the victim in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.

His 24-year-old stepbrother, Jaxon Joseph Baine, was later found dead inside a vehicle in neighboring Euless. Authorities said Baine died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased individuals as Tyler Lynn Payne, 20, and Jaxon Joseph Baine, 24.

According to the Grapevine Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Woodhill Court shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they discovered Tyler inside the home suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the caller also informed officers that a lengthy note, reportedly written by Tyler’s stepbrother, had been found inside the residence. The note allegedly indicated the older man’s intention to take his own life.

Following the discovery, officers with the Grapevine and Euless police departments began searching for Baine.

Authorities eventually located him inside a vehicle in a parking lot near West Glade Road and Euless-Grapevine Road in Euless. He had died from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators are treating the two deaths as an apparent murder-suicide. Police have not released a possible motive or additional details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting.

Authorities have described the incident as isolated and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Beyond the heartbreaking circumstances of his death, Tyler is being remembered as a young man with ambitions, interests, and a future he was working hard to build.

At just 20 years old, Tyler had recently graduated from Colleyville Heritage High School in 2025, where he participated in the school’s wrestling program. He had also begun pursuing training to become a welder, taking steps toward developing a skill and building a career.

Those who knew him may also remember the excitement he shared over owning his first vehicle. In a recent social media post, Tyler proudly showed off a photograph of his truck, describing it as his first car — a small but meaningful milestone for a young man beginning to make his way in the world.

Following his death, Tyler’s mother expressed the heartbreak of losing her son, sharing that she was at a loss for words.

Tyler’s death has left his family, friends, former classmates, and wrestling teammates facing a devastating loss. At only 20, he had so much of life still ahead of him — dreams to pursue, skills to develop, experiences to enjoy, and milestones yet to reach.

He was more than a name in a police report. He was a son, a young graduate, a wrestler, an aspiring welder, and someone who was proud of his first truck. His life and the memories he created will remain meaningful to the people who loved him.

As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning two lives lost in a deeply tragic incident.

Please keep Tyler Lynn Payne’s family, especially his mother, along with his friends, former teammates, classmates, and everyone grieving this loss in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

May Tyler Lynn Payne rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength and comfort in the days ahead.