North Texas Man Fatally Shoots Coworker Over Length of Breaks

LEWISVILLE, TX — A North Texas man fatally shot his coworker at her desk on Thursday, October 17, after becoming angry over her long breaks, reports say.

According to a social media post, Lewisville police responded to the 1800 block of Lakeway Drive shortly after 11:30 a.m. following a 911 call about an active shooter. Officers quickly detained the shooter at the scene.

The victim, identified as Tamhara Collazo, was taken to a local hospital but later died from her injuries. The suspect, Travis Merrill, 51, was a coworker of Collazo’s at Allegiance Trucking and reportedly expressed an obsession with Collazo, feeling angered by her lack of attention and her "unauthorized long breaks."

An affidavit indicates that Collazo had told Merrill to stop watching her during breaks and had reported his behavior to human resources. As a result, Merrill had to consult with a counselor before returning to work. When he returned, he sensed that Collazo was actively avoiding him, which reportedly “intensified his feelings of isolation.”

According to reports, Merrill’s affidavit reveals he had been planning the attack, having purchased guns and allegedly practiced with them at home. He had previously brought firearms to work on two occasions: once on his day off and another time the day before the shooting, although he chose not to act then.

On the day of the incident, Merrill followed Collazo to the parking lot during her lunch break, where he prepared his firearms while watching her. He then ambushed her at her cubicle, shooting her at least four times in front of two dozen coworkers.

When police arrived, Merrill reportedly turned himself in and provided details about the times and lengths of Collazo's breaks. 

Allegiance Trucking expressed heartbreak over her death and stated that they will be supporting her family during this time.

No one else was injured in the shooting, and the Lewisville office has been closed indefinitely.

Travis Merrill is being held in the Denton County Jail on a $10 million bond.