GoFundMe raises over $15K after NC father David Lee Housden kills his two children before shooting himself

WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA: David Lee Housden, 55, fatally shot his two children, Alexander David Housden, 20, and Kaylee Nicole Housden, 16, before dying by suicide, as reported by PEOPLE Magazine.

Winston-Salem Police Department Chief William H Penn Jr addressed the case at a press conference on November 28, stating, "It’s a somber day in our city."

Police said that the mother of the children, Jennifer Housden, was present at the home on Water Lily Lane when the horrific incident took place. She called 911, and responding officials arrived at around 3.30 am.

Alexander and Kaylee were discovered dead of gunshot wounds by the police, who alleged that David shot both children before taking his own life.

Alexander, a junior at Winston-Salem State University, was majoring in exercise science and minoring in Biology. His sister, Kaylee, a junior at Atkins High School, was a member of the Color Guard.

A neighbor who knew the family for 12 years but did not want to be identified told WXII 12, "So now three lives are gone. We see from the surface And it just appears normal." 

She added, "And then you’re hit with, ‘We never saw that coming.’ Somebody needed help and nobody reached out for it and nobody saw it and it’s too late." 

A GoFundMe has been set up for Jennifer Housden

The organizers of the GoFundMe campaign introduced themselves as Kaylee's best friends, Lorelai Montileone and Wisteria Ewing.

They noted, "It is with a heavy heart that we write all of this for you," in the description of the fundraiser. 

"Alexander Housden was a fun, loving, spirited young man who had many dreams. He graduated from Atkins High School in 2021 and was pursuing his medical career at Winston Salem State University," added the organizers. 

They continued, "Alex knew how to make you laugh, especially on the bad days and always had a joke to tell. His humor lit up the Housden household time and time again."

"Kaylee Housden was a loving, energetic, God driven soul. Kaylee always put others before herself and would never second guess that decision. When you met Kaylee, you knew instantly that you wanted her to be in your life," further expressed the friends. 

They mentioned. "She was a member of the Atkins High School color guard, and was set to graduate in 2025. Her laughter, heart of gold, and unselfishness will continue to live throughout the community," continued the message."

At the time of writing, the campaign organized to fund funeral expenses and memorials has already raised over $15,500. 

Statement by the Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University's Exercise Physiology Department released a statement upon the death of Alexander, saying that he "was one of the best students in the exercise science program."

As per WXII 12 report, the statement read, "His aspiration was to become a physician’s assistant, and there was no doubt that he would. He was an ‘A’ student, who was always willing to help other students – the epitome of a good classmate. He engaged his professors in intentional conversations after class about his career path and academic journey."

It further added, "He was focused and insightful. Alexander was a unique person and a rising star. All his professors appreciated him and his originality. The students, faculty and staff of the WSSU Exercise Physiology Department are all heartbroken and devastated by this tragedy that extinguished a bright light too soon."

Police urge anyone with information pertinent to the case to reach out to the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or En Espanol at 336-728-3904.