In 2021, John Wheeler was convicted of assaulting Katrina. Court records state he used a wooden ax handle to strangle her, causing her to lose consciousness.
SEGUIN, Texas — The murder of a Seguin mother of five outside Walmart has raised questions about domestic violence prevention after court records revealed the accused gunman, her estranged husband, had a lengthy criminal history that included previous violence against her.
It was Thursday around 5 p.m. when Seguin police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Walmart parking lot off South Highway 123 Bypass. When officers arrived, they found 35-year-old Katrina Wheeler suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, identified as Katrina’s brother, was also shot and seriously injured. He was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a San Antonio-area hospital.
Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old John Wheeler, Katrina’s husband. According to authorities, he fled the scene before officers arrived. Roughly 30 minutes later, law enforcement officers located his vehicle outside Seguin, leading to a low-speed pursuit involving multiple agencies. Wheeler was taken into custody and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
For those who knew Katrina, the loss is devastating.
“We was pretty much raised with her,” family friend Missy said. “We still have that sisterly bond.”
Missy described Katrina as a devoted mother of five whose death has left an entire family grieving.
“I just pray for the families, both parts, and pray for the kids as well,” Missy said.
Court records reveal Katrina filed for divorce from John Wheeler in February. Records also show a hearing for a protective order was scheduled for early June.
A review of court documents shows John Wheeler’s criminal history in Guadalupe County dates back more than two decades, including multiple aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges. While some cases were dismissed, records also show a history of alleged family violence.
In 2021, Wheeler was convicted in Bexar County for assaulting Katrina. Court records state he used a wooden ax handle to strangle her, causing her to lose consciousness.
Now, family members are questioning whether more could have been done before the violence escalated.
“Something should have been done quicker and maybe this wouldn’t have happened,” Missy said.
“Get on the ball and do what they have to do instead of just waiting and waiting till something happens.”
Domestic violence advocates say tragedies like this often follow a pattern of escalating abuse.
“It’s a pattern that is progressive over time, meaning that did not begin with this final act,” said Marta Pelaez, President and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services.
Pelaez said communities must learn to recognize warning signs and intervene when someone appears trapped in an abusive situation.
“You need to know how it sounds. You need to know how it looks,” Pelaez said.
While breaking cycles of abuse can be difficult, Pelaez emphasized that domestic violence deaths are preventable when victims receive support and communities take warning signs seriously.
“If we all consider that just knowing the definition of domestic violence, just understanding what it is, could save a life,” Pelaez said.
John Wheeler remains in custody as the investigation continues.
A GoFundMe created by Katrina Wheeler’s family says the mother of five leaves behind children ranging from 5 to 15 years old. Donations will help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing support for her children as relatives step in to care for them following the fatal shooting.