Crime
Tara Hardin and her mother Floris Wolford killed in Conroe domestic violence incident, suspect Stanley Earl Hardin charged With capital murder
Authorities in Conroe are investigating a deadly domestic violence incident that left two women dead, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said deputies were dispatched at approximately 2:00 p.m. to a residence in the 300 block of Shoreview Drive after receiving a 911 call reporting a family violence situation.
During the call, the caller indicated that a vehicle had been intentionally driven into the home, and dispatchers reportedly heard gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate emergency response.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered two adult women inside the residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Tara Hardin, 57, the suspect’s wife
- Floris Wolford, 80, the suspect’s mother-in-law
Investigators say that following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot and went to a nearby residence belonging to his son. There, he allegedly requested transportation to his own home located in the 12000 block of Ivy Lane.
Deputies later located the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Stanley Earl Hardin, at that residence.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Hardin has been charged with capital murder and is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond.
Multiple agencies responded to assist in the investigation, including:
- Major Crimes Detectives
- Crime Scene Investigators
- The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
- The Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office
Authorities continue to process evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the victims’ loved ones, acknowledging the significant emotional impact the tragedy has had on the community.
Officials stated they remain committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families as the investigation moves forward.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Daniel Gracia, 12, died after a truck struck his bicycle in Rockford on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026. Police have charged the truck driver, 61-year-old Brian Knittel, in connection with the fatal crash.
Rockford police responded to the 900 block of 11th Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers arrived after receiving reports of a collision involving a truck and a young bicyclist.
Gracia suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Authorities have not provided further details about how the collision occurred.
Knittel, a Rockford resident, faces several charges related to the incident. These include reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, and additional traffic offenses.
Following his arrest, authorities took Knittel to the Winnebago County Jail.
During Knittel’s initial court appearance, a judge granted the state’s request to deny him pretrial release. He is scheduled to return to court on December 17, 2026.
The case remains pending as the legal process continues. The charges represent allegations, and Knittel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.