TEXAS D.A., WIFE SLAIN, WFAA-TV, the Dallas-area ABC affiliate reports:

Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia were found shot dead inside their Forney home on Saturday night, a chilling crime that put law enforcement agencies across Texas on high alert and shook prosecutors, defense attorneys and others in legal circles around North Texas.

Late Saturday night, sources said a .223-caliber assault rifle, similar to an AR15, was used in the murders, with approximately 14 rounds being fired.

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Investigators now believe the double murder of the D.A. and his wife is likely related to the Mark Hasse murder investigation.

Almost two months ago, Hasse, McLelland’s top deputy, was gunned down in broad daylight just a few steps from the county courthouse. He was murdered on January 31 as he walked to the courthouse from a parking lot.

A task force of multiple local, state and federal agencies have investigated dozens of leads, but have so far been unable to develop any suspects in the Hasse murder.

McLelland vowed to hunt down Hasse’s killer, and was confident that person would be brought to justice.

“He knows and I know there will be a reckoning,” the D.A. said at Hasse’s memorial service. “Too many people are focusing on that. That’s not going to be a problem.”

Kaufman County Sheriff’s Lt. Justin Lewis said he couldn’t discuss the investigation in detail, including how the couple died and whether authorities believe their deaths are linked to Hasse’s fatal shooting on January 31.

The front door of the McLellands’ 3,000 square foot residence was found kicked in, sources added. Kaufman County deputies, the FBI, Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Forney police are all involved in the investigation.

“Investigators are expected to hold a news conference Sunday morning.  More information is expected to be released at that time,” NBC News.com adds.