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{{Short description|2012 familicide}}
{{Short description|2012 familicide}}
{{Draft topics|internet-culture}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
{{Infobox civilian attack
| image = Harris County Texas incorporated and unincorporated areas Waller highlighted.svg
⚫
| title = Sesler family murders
| caption = Map of Waller County, Texas
⚫
| title = 2012 Waller killings
| location = [[Waller, Texas]], U.S.
| location = [[Waller, Texas]], U.S.
| date = 20 March, 2012
| date = March 20, 2012 (12 years ago)
| time =
| time = {{Circa|1:00 p.m.}}
| timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| target = Family members
| target = Family members
| type = [[familicide|familicide]], [[shooting]], [[triple-murder]]
| type = [[familicide]], [[shooting]], [[triple-murder]]
| weapons = [[Shotgun]]<br />[[Hi-Point Firearms|Hi-Point]] model 995 [[carbine rifle]] (unused)
| weapons = [[Shotgun]]<br />[[Hi-Point Firearms|Hi-Point]] model 995 [[carbine rifle]] (unused)
| fatalities = 3
| fatalities = 3
Line 16: Line 18:
| convictions =
| convictions =
| charges = [[Capital murder]] (3 counts)
| charges = [[Capital murder]] (3 counts)
| motive = Plans to perpetrate a [[school shooting]]<ref name="Medium11" />
| motive = * Plans to perpetrate a [[school shooting]]<ref name="Medium11" />
* Desire for infamy and to outdo historical mass murders<ref name="KHOUunthinkable" /><ref name="chronpolice">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |last2=Hassan |first2=Anita |title=Police: Man charged in Waller deaths planned Columbine-like attack |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/police-man-charged-in-waller-deaths-planned-3421875.php |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Chron |publisher=Chron |date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="chron animals" />
}}
}}
The '''Sesler family murders''' took place on 20 March 2012 when Trey Eric Sesler, a 22-year-old [[YouTuber]], shot and killed his two parents and older brother in [[Waller, Texas]]. He had planned to perpetrate a [[school shooting]] at [[Waller High School]] after murdering his family.<ref name="sanantonio1" /><ref name="CHRONnotguilty" /> Police were called to the family home at 1 p.m the same day and found the bodies of his mother Rhonda Sesler, his father Lawton Sesler and his brother Mark Sesler.<ref name="chron1pm">{{cite news |last1=Carroll |first1=Susan |title=Conflicting pictures of Waller killings suspect emerge |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/conflicting-pictures-of-waller-killings-suspect-3432744.php |access-date=28 January 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=24 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="MyDeathSpace1" />
The '''2012 Waller killings''', also known as the '''Sesler family murders''' took place on March 20, 2012, when Trey Eric Sesler, a 22-year-old [[YouTuber]], shot and killed his parents and older brother in [[Waller, Texas]]. He had planned to perpetrate a [[school shooting]] at [[Waller High School]] after murdering his family.<ref name="sanantonio1" /><ref name="CHRONnotguilty" /> Police were called to the family home at 1 p.m. the same day and found the bodies of his mother Rhonda Sesler, his father Lawton Sesler and his brother Mark Sesler.<ref name="chron1pm">{{cite news |last1=Carroll |first1=Susan |title=Conflicting pictures of Waller killings suspect emerge |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/conflicting-pictures-of-waller-killings-suspect-3432744.php |access-date=28 January 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=24 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="MyDeathSpace1" /> Investigators say that Sesler was heavily [[Columbine effect|inspired by the Columbine High School massacre]].<ref name="chronpolice" />


== Shooting and arrest ==
== Shooting and arrest ==
On Monday, March 19, 2012, someone reported gunshots coming from the family home however nothing was discovered by police when they arrived.<ref name="MyDeathSpace1">{{cite news |title=Trey Sesler (22) shot and killed three members of his family |url=http://mydeathspace.com/article/2012/03/22/Trey_Sesler_(22)_shot_and_killed_three_members_of_his_family |access-date=3 February 2024 |publisher=MyDeathSpace |date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="CHRONnotguilty" /><ref name="chron1pm" />
On Monday, March 19, 2012, someone reported gunshots coming from the family home; however, nothing was discovered by police when they arrived.<ref name="MyDeathSpace1">{{cite news |title=Trey Sesler (22) shot and killed three members of his family |url=http://mydeathspace.com/article/2012/03/22/Trey_Sesler_(22)_shot_and_killed_three_members_of_his_family |access-date=3 February 2024 |publisher=MyDeathSpace |date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="CHRONnotguilty" /><ref name="chron1pm" />


At some point before 1 p.m. the following day, Trey Sesler lured his mother Rhonda Sesler to the garage and shot her at [[Point-blank range|point blank range]] with a [[shotgun]] 4 times. His father is believed to have been asleep at this time. He then walked back inside the home and shot his brother. At this point his father was awoken by the gunshots and was shot<ref>{{cite web |last1=Student |first1=Anonymous |title=Unveiling Darkness: The Trey Sesler Story |url=https://www.studocu.com/row/document/obafemi-awolowo-university/true-crime-script-report/unveiling-darkness-the-trey-sesler-story/77401084 |website=studocu.com |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref>. After the shootings, Sesler wrote things such as: "I love my mom, dad and brother" and "God forgive me because I cannot forgive myself." all over the family home.<ref>{{cite news |title=Authorities: Man admits he shot and killed three of his family members in Waller County |url=https://abc7.com/archive/8590927/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=ABC 7 |date=23 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="morbidology44" /> Waller [[police chief]], Phil Rehak, described the crime scene as a "war zone"<ref name="Click2Houston1" />
At some point before 1 p.m. the following day, Sesler lured his mother Rhonda Sesler to the garage and shot her at [[Point-blank range|point blank range]] with a [[shotgun]] four times. His father is believed to have been asleep at this time. He then walked back inside the home and shot his brother. At this point his father was awoken by the gunshots and was shot.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Student |first1=Anonymous |title=Unveiling Darkness: The Trey Sesler Story |url=https://www.studocu.com/row/document/obafemi-awolowo-university/true-crime-script-report/unveiling-darkness-the-trey-sesler-story/77401084 |website=studocu.com |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref> After the shootings, Sesler wrote things such as: "I love my mom, dad and brother" and "God forgive me because I cannot forgive myself." all over the family home.<ref>{{cite news |title=Authorities: Man admits he shot and killed three of his family members in Waller County |url=https://abc7.com/archive/8590927/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=ABC 7 |date=23 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="morbidology44" /> Waller [[police chief]], Phil Rehak, described the crime scene as a "war zone".<ref name="Click2Houston1" />


Sesler loaded his 2010 black [[Ford Mustang]] with a [[Hi-Point Firearms|Hi-Point]] model 995 [[Carbine|carbine rifle]] and over 100 rounds of ammunition. He drove to Waller High School, where Sesler graduated, and sat in the parking lot before driving to a friends home. Police received a call from family members asking for a [[welfare check]] as they haven't heard from anyone in the house. Police went to the home at 1 p.m. and the bodies of Trey's family were discovered and an [[arrest warrant]] was issued for him<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="Chron1">{{cite news |last1=Glenn |first1=Mike |last2=George |first2=Cindy |title=Son arrested in slayings of 3 in family |url=https://www.chron.com/news/article/son-arrested-in-slayings-of-3-in-family-3422574.php |access-date=29 January 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=21 March 2012}}</ref>. Sesler was arrested at a friends house in [[Magnolia, Texas]] at 9:30PM the same day.<ref name="KHOUunthinkable" /><ref name="Houston1">{{cite news |last1=Bauer |first1=Jennifer |title=Man suspected of killing family captured |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2012/03/21/man-suspected-of-killing-family-captured/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |agency=Click2Houston |publisher=Click2Houston |date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="crimemagazine">{{cite web |last1=Garrett |first1=Jeannette |title=Mr. Anime Loves God and His Family |url=https://www.crimemagazine.com/mr-anime-loves-god-and-his-family |website=Crime Magazine |publisher=Jeannette garrett |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref>
Sesler loaded his 2010 black [[Ford Mustang]] with a [[Hi-Point Firearms|Hi-Point]] model 995 [[Carbine|carbine rifle]] and over 100 rounds of ammunition. He drove to Waller High School, from which Sesler had graduated, and sat in the parking lot before driving to a friends home. Police received a call from family members asking for a [[welfare check]], as they hadn't heard from anyone in the house. Police went to the home at 1 p.m. and the bodies of Sesler's family were discovered and an [[arrest warrant]] was issued for him.<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="Chron1">{{cite news |last1=Glenn |first1=Mike |last2=George |first2=Cindy |title=Son arrested in slayings of 3 in family |url=https://www.chron.com/news/article/son-arrested-in-slayings-of-3-in-family-3422574.php |access-date=29 January 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=21 March 2012}}</ref> Sesler was arrested at a friends house in [[Magnolia, Texas]] at 9:30 p.m. the same day.<ref name="KHOUunthinkable" /><ref name="Houston1">{{cite news |last1=Bauer |first1=Jennifer |title=Man suspected of killing family captured |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2012/03/21/man-suspected-of-killing-family-captured/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |agency=Click2Houston |publisher=Click2Houston |date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="crimemagazine">{{cite web |last1=Garrett |first1=Jeannette |title=Mr. Anime Loves God and His Family |url=https://www.crimemagazine.com/mr-anime-loves-god-and-his-family |website=Crime Magazine |publisher=Jeannette garrett |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref>

⚫
After the shooting, Sesler told investigators that he killed his family as he didn't want them to be ashamed of him perpetrating the school shooting, but backed out as it all became "too real".<ref name="IBS1">{{cite news |last1=Gosh |first1=Ishan |title=YouTube Star Left Trails of Clues Online Before Killing His Family and Attempting School Shooting |url=https://www.ibtimes.sg/youtube-star-left-trails-clues-online-before-killing-his-family-attempting-school-shooting-52619 |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=International Business Times |work=International Business Times |date=18 October 2020}}</ref> He was placed on suicide watch within days of his arrest.<ref name="khousuicidewatch">{{cite news |author=KHOU Staff|title=Psychologist weighs in on what went wrong with Waller triple-murder suspect |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/psychologist-weighs-in-on-what-went-wrong-with-waller-triple-murder-suspect/285-339789044 |access-date=3 February 2024 |publisher=KHOU |date=23 March 2012}}</ref>


⚫
After the shooting, Sesler told investigators that he killed his family as he didn't want them to be ashamed of him perpetrating the school shooting, but backed out as it all became "too real".<ref name="IBS1">{{cite news |last1=Gosh |first1=Ishan |title=YouTube Star Left Trails of Clues Online Before Killing His Family and Attempting School Shooting |url=https://www.ibtimes.sg/youtube-star-left-trails-clues-online-before-killing-his-family-attempting-school-shooting-52619 |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=International Business Times |work=International Business Times |date=18 October 2020}}</ref> He was placed on suicide watch within days of his arrest.<ref name="khousuicidewatch">{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=KHOU |title=Psychologist weighs in on what went wrong with Waller triple-murder suspect |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/psychologist-weighs-in-on-what-went-wrong-with-waller-triple-murder-suspect/285-339789044 |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=khou.com |publisher=KHOU |date=23 March 2012}}</ref>
===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
After the shooting, Sesler contacted extended family members and apologised for his actions.<ref name="kvue12">{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=Kvue |title=Waller police: Triple-murder suspect apologized for killing family |url=https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-news/waller-police-triple-murder-suspect-apologized-for-killing-family/269-343674712 |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=KVUE |date=23 March 2012}}</ref> His cousin, Dr. Robin Warner, said the family did not know about his online activites. Waller residents were deeply disturbed by the case.<ref name="kvue12" />
After the shooting, Sesler contacted extended family members and apologized for his actions.<ref name="kvue12">{{cite news |author=Kvue Staff|title=Waller police: Triple-murder suspect apologized for killing family |url=https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-news/waller-police-triple-murder-suspect-apologized-for-killing-family/269-343674712 |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=KVUE |date=23 March 2012}}</ref> His cousin, Dr. Robin Warner, said the family did not know about his online activities. Waller residents were deeply disturbed by the case.<ref name="kvue12" />


== Victims ==
== Victims ==
The three people murdered consisted of his mother, father and older brother.
The three people murdered consisted of his mother, father and older brother:
* Rhonda Wyse Sesler, 57, mother of Trey Sesler, first to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty" />
* Rhonda Wyse Sesler, 57, mother of Sesler, first to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty" />
* Mark Alan Sesler, 26, older brother of Trey Sesler, second to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty" />
* Mark Alan Sesler, 26, older brother of Sesler, second to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty" />
* Lawton Ray Sesler Jr, 58, father of Trey Sesler, last to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |title=Son expected to plead not guilty in Waller family deaths |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/son-expected-to-plead-not-guilty-in-waller-family-3447871.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=CHRON |publisher=CHRON |date=30 March 2012}}</ref>
* Lawton Ray Sesler Jr, 58, father of Sesler, last to be killed<ref name="CHRONnotguilty">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |title=Son expected to plead not guilty in Waller family deaths |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/son-expected-to-plead-not-guilty-in-waller-family-3447871.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=CHRON |publisher=CHRON |date=30 March 2012}}</ref>


Rhonda and Lawton were married for 34-years prior to the shooting. Rhonda worked at ''[[The Waller Times]]'' and Lawton was a teacher at [[Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District|Robinson Elementary school]].<ref name="sanantonio1" />
Rhonda and Lawton were married for 34 years prior to the shooting. Rhonda worked at ''[[The Waller Times]]'' and Lawton was a teacher at [[Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District|Robison Elementary School]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 3, 2012 |title=Waller man who killed his family sentenced to life in prison without parole |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/waller-man-who-killed-his-family-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole/285-339670448 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=KHOU11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dean |first=Stephen |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Mass-shooting plot revealed in Waller family's murders |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2012/03/21/mass-shooting-plot-revealed-in-waller-familys-murders/ |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=Click 2 Houston}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Police arrest 22-year-old accused of killing family members in Waller |url=https://abc13.com/archive/8588546/ |url-status= |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=ABC13}}</ref>


== Perpetrator ==
== Perpetrator ==
'''Trey Eric Sesler''' (born 3 August 1989)<ref name="Vocal Media1">{{cite news |last1=Mullen |first1=Shauna |title=The Youtuber Who Killed His Family. |url=https://vocal.media/criminal/the-youtuber-who-killed-his-family |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Vocal Media |publisher=Vocal Media |date=2022}}</ref> is a former YouTuber who went by the alias "Mr. Anime".<ref name="Medium11">{{cite news |last1=Historian |first1=The True |title=Gun-Obsessed Texan Boy Gunned Down His Family Before Initiating a Mass Shooting |url=https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/gun-obsessed-texan-boy-gunned-down-his-family-before-initiating-a-mass-shooting-4cdc3fe1354a#:~:text=Trey%20Sesler%20Lived%20with%20His,until%20he%20got%20a%20job |access-date=1 February 2024 |agency=Medium |publisher=Medium |date=21 December 2021}}</ref> Sesler told investigators that he heavily studied [[Mass murder|mass murderers]] and [[Serial killer|serial killers]] and had a desire of perpetrating a school shooting at Waller High School.<ref name="morbidology44">{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Emily G. |title=Mr. Anime & The Massacre of the Seslers |url=https://morbidology.com/mr-anime-the-massacre-of-the-seslers/ |website=Morbidology |date=24 November 2022 |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>
Trey Eric Sesler (born 3 August 1989)<ref name="Vocal Media1">{{cite news |last1=Mullen |first1=Shauna |title=The Youtuber Who Killed His Family. |url=https://vocal.media/criminal/the-youtuber-who-killed-his-family |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Vocal Media |publisher=Vocal Media |date=2022}}</ref> is a former YouTuber who went by the alias "Mr. Anime".<ref name="Medium11">{{cite news |last1=Historian |first1=The True |title=Gun-Obsessed Texan Boy Gunned Down His Family Before Initiating a Mass Shooting |url=https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/gun-obsessed-texan-boy-gunned-down-his-family-before-initiating-a-mass-shooting-4cdc3fe1354a#:~:text=Trey%20Sesler%20Lived%20with%20His,until%20he%20got%20a%20job |access-date=1 February 2024 |agency=Medium |publisher=Medium |date=21 December 2021}}</ref> Sesler told investigators that he heavily studied [[mass murder]]ers and [[serial killer]]s and had a desire of perpetrating a school shooting at Waller High School.<ref name="morbidology44">{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Emily G. |title=Mr. Anime & The Massacre of the Seslers |url=https://morbidology.com/mr-anime-the-massacre-of-the-seslers/ |website=Morbidology |date=24 November 2022 |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>


Sesler admitted to investigators that he committed other crimes prior to the shooting, including [[Cruelty to animals|killing animals]] and shooting near schools in the middle of the night.<ref name="chron animals">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |last2=Christian |first2=Carol |title=Shooting suspect studied serial killers, massacres, officers say |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/shooting-suspect-studied-serial-killers-3427179.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=22 March 2012}}</ref> He had no [[criminal record]] prior to the shooting.<ref name="TDCJ" /><ref name="yourconroenews1" /> Investigators called Sesler "a classic example of a killer who starts with small crimes and builds up to the unthinkable."<ref name="KHOUunthinkable">{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=KHOU |title=Investigators: Waller man accused of killing family studied serial killers, graded their work |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/investigators-waller-man-accused-of-killing-family-studied-serial-killers-graded-their-work/285-320744775 |access-date=4 February 2024 |agency=KHOU |publisher=KHOU |date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
Sesler admitted to investigators that he committed other crimes prior to the shooting, including [[Cruelty to animals|killing animals]] and shooting near schools in the middle of the night.<ref name="chron animals">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |last2=Christian |first2=Carol |title=Shooting suspect studied serial killers, massacres, officers say |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/shooting-suspect-studied-serial-killers-3427179.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=CHRON |date=22 March 2012}}</ref> He had no [[criminal record]] prior to the shooting.<ref name="TDCJ" /><ref name="yourconroenews1" /> Investigators called Sesler "a classic example of a killer who starts with small crimes and builds up to the unthinkable."<ref name="KHOUunthinkable">{{cite news |author=KHOU Staff|title=Investigators: Waller man accused of killing family studied serial killers, graded their work |url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/investigators-waller-man-accused-of-killing-family-studied-serial-killers-graded-their-work/285-320744775 |access-date=4 February 2024 |publisher=KHOU |date=30 October 2013}}</ref>


===YouTube channel===
===YouTube channel===
On September 14, 2006, Trey Sesler created the channel "Mr. Anime" and another called "Lenscap productions".<ref name="Vocal Media1" /><ref name="sesleryoutube1">{{cite news |last1=Mercedes |first1=J.E. |title=Trey Sesler AKA Mr. Anime Kills Entire Family |url=https://medium.com/obscure-horror/trey-sesler-aka-mr-anime-kills-entire-family-e32bd2cf06fe |access-date=1 February 2024 |agency=Medium |publisher=Medium |date=21 April 2023}}</ref> Seslers first few years on youtube consisted reviewing [[anime series]] on his Mr. Anime channel and [[skits]] on his Lenscap productions channel<ref name="sesleryoutube1" /><ref name="sanantonio1">{{cite news |last1=Wiseand |first1=Lindsay |last2=Hassan |first2=Anita |title=Police: Man held in Waller killings had massacre plan |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/texas/article/police-man-held-in-waller-killings-had-massacre-3425659.php |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=mysanantonio |publisher=mysanantonio |date=21 March 2012}}</ref>. On December 27, 2011, Sesler posted a video telling his fans that he had been diagnosed with [[pneumothorax]]. Sesler would regularly show weapons in his now deleted YouTube videos.<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="sesleryoutube1" /> 1 month before the shooting, Sesler posted a video titled "Mr. Anime is planning something". In the video, he said he would be taking a "two or three-week break". He never disclosed what he was planning, however, investigators believe he is hinting towards the shooting.<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="texasmonthly1">{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Michael |title="Mr. Anime is Planning Something" |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/mr-anime-is-planning-something/ |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Texas Monthly |publisher=Texas Monthly |date=21 January 2013}}</ref>
On September 14, 2006, Sesler created the channel "Mr. Anime" and another called "LensCapProductions".<ref name="Vocal Media1" /><ref name="sesleryoutube1">{{cite news |last1=Mercedes |first1=J.E. |title=Trey Sesler AKA Mr. Anime Kills Entire Family |url=https://medium.com/obscure-horror/trey-sesler-aka-mr-anime-kills-entire-family-e32bd2cf06fe |access-date=1 February 2024 |agency=Medium |publisher=Medium |date=21 April 2023}}</ref> Sesler's first few years on YouTube consisted of [[anime series]] reviews on his Mr. Anime channel and [[skits]] on his LensCapProductions channel.<ref name="sesleryoutube1" /><ref name="sanantonio1">{{cite news |last1=Wiseand |first1=Lindsay |last2=Hassan |first2=Anita |title=Police: Man held in Waller killings had massacre plan |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/texas/article/police-man-held-in-waller-killings-had-massacre-3425659.php |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=mysanantonio |publisher=mysanantonio |date=21 March 2012}}</ref> On December 27, 2011, Sesler posted a video telling his fans that he had been diagnosed with [[pneumothorax]]. Sesler would regularly show weapons in his now deleted YouTube videos.<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="sesleryoutube1" /> One month before the shooting, Sesler posted a video titled "Mr. Anime is planning something". In the video, he said he would be taking a "two or three-week break". He never disclosed what he was planning, however, investigators believe he was hinting towards the shooting.<ref name="morbidology44" /><ref name="texasmonthly1">{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Michael |title="Mr. Anime is Planning Something" |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/mr-anime-is-planning-something/ |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Texas Monthly |publisher=Texas Monthly |date=21 January 2013}}</ref>


===Murder obsession===
===Murder obsession===
According to authorities, Sesler was heavily inspired by mass murder events such as the [[Columbine High School massacre]] and the [[Virginia Tech shooting]], and had researched both events extensively.<ref name="KHOUunthinkable" /><ref name="chronpolice">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |last2=Hassan |first2=Anita |title=Police: Man charged in Waller deaths planned Columbine-like attack |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/police-man-charged-in-waller-deaths-planned-3421875.php |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Chron |publisher=Chron |date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="chron animals" /> Investigators found a list that Sesler had created on his computer which studied and graded at least eight serial killers.<ref name="chron animals" /><ref name="yourconroenews1">{{cite news |title=Waller man gets life for killing 3 in his family |url=https://www.yourconroenews.com/neighborhood/moco/news/article/Waller-man-gets-life-for-killing-3-in-his-family-9264509.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=yourconroenews |publisher=yourconroenews |date=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Beaumont Enterprise">{{cite news |last1=Press |first1=The Associated |title=Hempstead man gets life for deaths of parents, brother |url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/hempstead-man-gets-life-for-deaths-of-parents-3760953.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=Beaumont Enterprise |publisher=Beaumont Enterprise |date=3 August 2012}}</ref>
According to authorities, Sesler was heavily inspired by mass murder events such as the [[Columbine High School massacre]] and the [[Virginia Tech shooting]], and had researched both events extensively.<ref name="KHOUunthinkable" /><ref name="chronpolice">{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Lindsay |last2=Hassan |first2=Anita |title=Police: Man charged in Waller deaths planned Columbine-like attack |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/police-man-charged-in-waller-deaths-planned-3421875.php |access-date=2 February 2024 |agency=Chron |publisher=Chron |date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="chron animals" /> Investigators found a list that Sesler had created on his computer which studied and graded at least eight serial killers.<ref name="chron animals" /><ref name="yourconroenews1">{{cite news |title=Waller man gets life for killing 3 in his family |url=https://www.yourconroenews.com/neighborhood/moco/news/article/Waller-man-gets-life-for-killing-3-in-his-family-9264509.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=yourconroenews |publisher=yourconroenews |date=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Beaumont Enterprise">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Hempstead man gets life for deaths of parents, brother |url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/hempstead-man-gets-life-for-deaths-of-parents-3760953.php |access-date=3 February 2024 |publisher=Beaumont Enterprise |date=3 August 2012}}</ref>


== Sentencing ==
== Sentencing ==
Sesler was arrested and charged with three counts of [[capital murder]] shortly after the family shooting.<ref name="TDCJ" /><ref name="Click2Houston1">{{cite news |title=Man pleads guilty to killing family |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2012/08/03/man-pleads-guilty-to-killing-family/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=Click2Houston |date=3 August 2012}}</ref> On August 2, 2012, Trey Sesler plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to [[Life imprisonment|life imprisonment]] without the possibility of [[parole]].<ref name="Beaumont Enterprise" /><ref name="TDCJ" /> The Waller police chief described the courtroom as "somber" and didn't hear Sesler speak during sentencing.<ref name="ABC712">{{cite news |title=Waller man accused of killing his family pleads guilty |url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/8759844/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=ABC7 Chicago |date=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="yourconroenews1" />
Sesler was arrested and charged with three counts of [[capital murder]] shortly after the family shooting.<ref name="TDCJ" /><ref name="Click2Houston1">{{cite news |title=Man pleads guilty to killing family |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2012/08/03/man-pleads-guilty-to-killing-family/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=Click2Houston |date=3 August 2012}}</ref> On August 2, 2012, Sesler plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to [[life imprisonment]] without the possibility of [[parole]].<ref name="Beaumont Enterprise" /><ref name="TDCJ" /> The Waller police chief described the courtroom as "somber" and didn't hear Sesler speak during sentencing.<ref name="ABC712">{{cite news |title=Waller man accused of killing his family pleads guilty |url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/8759844/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=ABC7 Chicago |date=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="yourconroenews1" />


Many residents of Waller suspected Sesler would receive the [[death penalty]] and were disappointed in the sentence handed down.<ref name="ABC712" />
Many residents of Waller suspected Sesler would receive the [[death penalty]] and were disappointed in the sentence handed down.<ref name="ABC712" />


As of 2024, Sesler is serving his sentence in the [[Terrell Unit]] in [[Unincorporated area|unincorporated]] [[Brazoria County, Texas]].<ref name="TDCJ">{{cite web |title=Inmate Information Details SESLER,TREY ERIC |url=https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/viewDetail.action?sid=50028655 |website=Texas Department of Criminal Jusice |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref> Previously, he was located in the [[McConnell Unit]], located in unincorporated [[Bee County, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Trey Eric Sesler |url=https://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-prisons/ |website=Texas Tribune |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015080303/https://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-prisons/inmates/trey-eric-sesler/820597/ |archive-date=15 October 2018}}</ref>
As of 2024, Sesler is serving his sentence in the [[Terrell Unit]] in [[Unincorporated area|unincorporated]] [[Brazoria County, Texas]].<ref name="TDCJ">{{cite web |title=Inmate Information Details SESLER,TREY ERIC |url=https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/viewDetail.action?sid=50028655 |website=Texas Department of Criminal Justice |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref> Previously, he was located in the [[McConnell Unit]], located in unincorporated [[Bee County, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Trey Eric Sesler |url=https://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-prisons/ |website=Texas Tribune |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015080303/https://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-prisons/inmates/trey-eric-sesler/820597/ |archive-date=15 October 2018}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See also ==
* [[Columbine effect]]
* [[Columbine effect]]
* [[Broken Arrow murders]]
* [[Broken Arrow killings]]
* [[Matricide]]
* [[Browning family murders]]
* [[Patricide]]
* [[Familicide]]
* [[Fratricide]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 68: Line 71:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Familicides]]
[[Category:Familicides in the United States]]
[[Category:2012 murders in the United States]]
[[Category:2012 murders in the United States]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Texas]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Texas]]
Line 75: Line 78:
[[Category:2010s crimes in Texas]]
[[Category:2010s crimes in Texas]]
[[Category:Columbine High School massacre copycat crimes]]
[[Category:Columbine High School massacre copycat crimes]]
[[Category:March 2012 crimes in the United States]]
[[Category:Fratricides]]
[[Category:Fratricides]]
[[Category:Matricides]]
[[Category:Matricides]]

Latest revision as of 15:06, 10 November 2024

2012 Waller killings
Map of Waller County, Texas
LocationWaller, Texas, U.S.
DateMarch 20, 2012 (12 years ago)
c. 1:00 p.m. (CDT)
TargetFamily members
Attack type
familicide, shooting, triple-murder
WeaponsShotgun
Hi-Point model 995 carbine rifle (unused)
Deaths3
Injured0
VictimsRhonda Wyse Sesler
Mark Alan Sesler
Lawton Ray Sesler Jr.
PerpetratorTrey Eric Sesler
Motive
VerdictPlead guilty to all charges
ChargesCapital murder (3 counts)

The 2012 Waller killings, also known as the Sesler family murders took place on March 20, 2012, when Trey Eric Sesler, a 22-year-old YouTuber, shot and killed his parents and older brother in Waller, Texas. He had planned to perpetrate a school shooting at Waller High School after murdering his family.[5][6] Police were called to the family home at 1 p.m. the same day and found the bodies of his mother Rhonda Sesler, his father Lawton Sesler and his brother Mark Sesler.[7][8] Investigators say that Sesler was heavily inspired by the Columbine High School massacre.[3]

Shooting and arrest

[edit]

On Monday, March 19, 2012, someone reported gunshots coming from the family home; however, nothing was discovered by police when they arrived.[8][6][7]

At some point before 1 p.m. the following day, Sesler lured his mother Rhonda Sesler to the garage and shot her at point blank range with a shotgun four times. His father is believed to have been asleep at this time. He then walked back inside the home and shot his brother. At this point his father was awoken by the gunshots and was shot.[9] After the shootings, Sesler wrote things such as: "I love my mom, dad and brother" and "God forgive me because I cannot forgive myself." all over the family home.[10][11] Waller police chief, Phil Rehak, described the crime scene as a "war zone".[12]

Sesler loaded his 2010 black Ford Mustang with a Hi-Point model 995 carbine rifle and over 100 rounds of ammunition. He drove to Waller High School, from which Sesler had graduated, and sat in the parking lot before driving to a friends home. Police received a call from family members asking for a welfare check, as they hadn't heard from anyone in the house. Police went to the home at 1 p.m. and the bodies of Sesler's family were discovered and an arrest warrant was issued for him.[11][13] Sesler was arrested at a friends house in Magnolia, Texas at 9:30 p.m. the same day.[2][14][15]

After the shooting, Sesler told investigators that he killed his family as he didn't want them to be ashamed of him perpetrating the school shooting, but backed out as it all became "too real".[16] He was placed on suicide watch within days of his arrest.[17]

Aftermath

[edit]

After the shooting, Sesler contacted extended family members and apologized for his actions.[18] His cousin, Dr. Robin Warner, said the family did not know about his online activities. Waller residents were deeply disturbed by the case.[18]

Victims

[edit]

The three people murdered consisted of his mother, father and older brother:

  • Rhonda Wyse Sesler, 57, mother of Sesler, first to be killed[6]
  • Mark Alan Sesler, 26, older brother of Sesler, second to be killed[6]
  • Lawton Ray Sesler Jr, 58, father of Sesler, last to be killed[6]

Rhonda and Lawton were married for 34 years prior to the shooting. Rhonda worked at The Waller Times and Lawton was a teacher at Robison Elementary School.[19][20][21]

Perpetrator

[edit]

Trey Eric Sesler (born 3 August 1989)[22] is a former YouTuber who went by the alias "Mr. Anime".[1] Sesler told investigators that he heavily studied mass murderers and serial killers and had a desire of perpetrating a school shooting at Waller High School.[11]

Sesler admitted to investigators that he committed other crimes prior to the shooting, including killing animals and shooting near schools in the middle of the night.[4] He had no criminal record prior to the shooting.[23][24] Investigators called Sesler "a classic example of a killer who starts with small crimes and builds up to the unthinkable."[2]

YouTube channel

[edit]

On September 14, 2006, Sesler created the channel "Mr. Anime" and another called "LensCapProductions".[22][25] Sesler's first few years on YouTube consisted of anime series reviews on his Mr. Anime channel and skits on his LensCapProductions channel.[25][5] On December 27, 2011, Sesler posted a video telling his fans that he had been diagnosed with pneumothorax. Sesler would regularly show weapons in his now deleted YouTube videos.[11][25] One month before the shooting, Sesler posted a video titled "Mr. Anime is planning something". In the video, he said he would be taking a "two or three-week break". He never disclosed what he was planning, however, investigators believe he was hinting towards the shooting.[11][26]

Murder obsession

[edit]

According to authorities, Sesler was heavily inspired by mass murder events such as the Columbine High School massacre and the Virginia Tech shooting, and had researched both events extensively.[2][3][4] Investigators found a list that Sesler had created on his computer which studied and graded at least eight serial killers.[4][24][27]

Sentencing

[edit]

Sesler was arrested and charged with three counts of capital murder shortly after the family shooting.[23][12] On August 2, 2012, Sesler plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.[27][23] The Waller police chief described the courtroom as "somber" and didn't hear Sesler speak during sentencing.[28][24]

Many residents of Waller suspected Sesler would receive the death penalty and were disappointed in the sentence handed down.[28]

As of 2024, Sesler is serving his sentence in the Terrell Unit in unincorporated Brazoria County, Texas.[23] Previously, he was located in the McConnell Unit, located in unincorporated Bee County, Texas.[29]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Historian, The True (21 December 2021). "Gun-Obsessed Texan Boy Gunned Down His Family Before Initiating a Mass Shooting". Medium. Medium. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d KHOU Staff (30 October 2013). "Investigators: Waller man accused of killing family studied serial killers, graded their work". KHOU. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Wise, Lindsay; Hassan, Anita (21 March 2012). "Police: Man charged in Waller deaths planned Columbine-like attack". Chron. Chron. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Wise, Lindsay; Christian, Carol (22 March 2012). "Shooting suspect studied serial killers, massacres, officers say". CHRON. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  5. ^ a b Wiseand, Lindsay; Hassan, Anita (21 March 2012). "Police: Man held in Waller killings had massacre plan". mysanantonio. mysanantonio. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e Wise, Lindsay (30 March 2012). "Son expected to plead not guilty in Waller family deaths". CHRON. CHRON. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  7. ^ a b Carroll, Susan (24 March 2012). "Conflicting pictures of Waller killings suspect emerge". CHRON. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Trey Sesler (22) shot and killed three members of his family". MyDeathSpace. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  9. ^ Student, Anonymous. "Unveiling Darkness: The Trey Sesler Story". studocu.com. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Authorities: Man admits he shot and killed three of his family members in Waller County". ABC 7. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e Thompson, Emily G. (24 November 2022). "Mr. Anime & The Massacre of the Seslers". Morbidology. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Man pleads guilty to killing family". Click2Houston. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  13. ^ Glenn, Mike; George, Cindy (21 March 2012). "Son arrested in slayings of 3 in family". CHRON. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  14. ^ Bauer, Jennifer (21 March 2012). "Man suspected of killing family captured". Click2Houston. Click2Houston. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  15. ^ Garrett, Jeannette. "Mr. Anime Loves God and His Family". Crime Magazine. Jeannette garrett. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  16. ^ Gosh, Ishan (18 October 2020). "YouTube Star Left Trails of Clues Online Before Killing His Family and Attempting School Shooting". International Business Times. International Business Times. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  17. ^ KHOU Staff (23 March 2012). "Psychologist weighs in on what went wrong with Waller triple-murder suspect". KHOU. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  18. ^ a b Kvue Staff (23 March 2012). "Waller police: Triple-murder suspect apologized for killing family". KVUE. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Waller man who killed his family sentenced to life in prison without parole". KHOU11. August 3, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  20. ^ Dean, Stephen (March 21, 2012). "Mass-shooting plot revealed in Waller family's murders". Click 2 Houston. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  21. ^ "Police arrest 22-year-old accused of killing family members in Waller". ABC13. March 21, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  22. ^ a b Mullen, Shauna (2022). "The Youtuber Who Killed His Family". Vocal Media. Vocal Media. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d "Inmate Information Details SESLER,TREY ERIC". Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  24. ^ a b c "Waller man gets life for killing 3 in his family". yourconroenews. yourconroenews. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Mercedes, J.E. (21 April 2023). "Trey Sesler AKA Mr. Anime Kills Entire Family". Medium. Medium. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  26. ^ Hall, Michael (21 January 2013). ""Mr. Anime is Planning Something"". Texas Monthly. Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Hempstead man gets life for deaths of parents, brother". Beaumont Enterprise. Associated Press. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Waller man accused of killing his family pleads guilty". ABC7 Chicago. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  29. ^ "Trey Eric Sesler". Texas Tribune. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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