Texas high school dancer killed by ex who fatally shot self

Devastated after being dumped, an abusive boyfriend shot his spurned ex to death in front of her little sister, authorities said. He then killed himself.

Louis Nickerson, 19, broke into Clarissa Riojas’ Bexar County home early Wednesday and shot the Highlands High School senior dead as her terrified sister watched, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Nickerson, a football player at Highlands, had already escaped when Riojas’ sister called 911, police said. He turned the gun on himself in a wooded area, police said.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus called the murder-suicide “very tragic” and said Riojas, 18, was weeks away from graduating.

Riojas broke up with Nickerson about a week before their deaths, and she had refused to pick up his calls, McManus said.

Adrean Coy, Riojas’ friend, told the San Antonio Express-News that Riojas' ex-boyfriend was abusive toward her and that he once slashed his car’s tires in a jealous rage.

“I told her all the time,” Coy, 19, said. “You're just barely about to graduate high school. You don't need to be worried about this. You can always find someone else.”

Angela Zetina, Nickerson’s friend, said everyone in school knew the couple had a troubled relationship, describing it as “toxic.”

Riojas’ dad told KENS5 his daughter was involved in her school’s dance team and she loved to travel.

McManus warned parents to know who their children are dating.

“I’m the father of an 18-year-old, myself. I know the whole dating routine,” the chief said. “I guess the lesson learned the hard way is, make sure, if you’re a parent with a daughter who is dating, make sure you pay attention to the status of that relationship once it's over.”