Stafford, Texas – September 2025 — A tense overnight standoff in Stafford has ended in tragedy, leaving two people dead, including the suspect, following hours of gunfire and a massive multi-agency police response. Authorities have identified the victim as 32-year-old Thomas Goodson and the suspect as 35-year-old Adrian Mercado, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Incident Unfolds
The chain of events began shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, when a man walked into the Stafford Police Department lobby to report that his son, Adrian Mercado, had killed someone at a home on Lawrence Lane near Stafford Road. He warned officers that his son was armed and extremely dangerous.
Responding officers rushed to the residence and soon discovered a disturbing scene. In the backyard, hidden under plywood and wrapped in a blanket, officers located the body of Thomas Goodson, the man Mercado’s father had reported as the victim.
Gunfire and Chaos
When Stafford officers, alongside a Missouri City K-9 Unit, attempted to enter the home through the front door, Mercado immediately opened fire. During the initial exchange, a Stafford police officer was struck, but his radio absorbed the bullet, sparing him from serious injury.
“He actually stayed on scene for a while; he did not want to leave,” Stafford PD Lt. Luciano Lopez explained. “He wasn’t injured, so I commend him for trying to see the job through.”
For the next 90 minutes, gunfire erupted intermittently, with bullets reportedly flying over officers’ heads as they tried to secure the perimeter. Concerned about escalating danger, law enforcement called in a multi-agency SWAT team, which included specialized units from surrounding jurisdictions.
Standoff Ends in Death
The standoff stretched into the early morning hours, with officers working carefully to de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety of neighbors and bystanders. When SWAT teams eventually made entry into the residence, they found Mercado deceased inside. Investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No additional civilians or officers were injured during the exchange, though the situation left many shaken. Residents in the Lawrence Lane neighborhood reported being startled by the sound of heavy gunfire echoing throughout the night.
Victim Identified
Authorities confirmed that the victim found at the home was 32-year-old Thomas Goodson. His body was concealed in the backyard, an act investigators described as an attempt by Mercado to hide the crime. The exact relationship between Mercado and Goodson remains unclear, and police continue to explore possible connections.
Suspect’s Background
Lt. Lopez revealed that Mercado had a “lengthy history” with the Stafford Police Department and was already wanted on an aggravated robbery warrant at the time of the standoff. His criminal record and past interactions with law enforcement are expected to play a role in the ongoing investigation.
The discovery of Mercado’s violent actions has left many in the community grappling with questions about what led to the fatal encounter with Goodson and the subsequent standoff.
Community and Police Response
The Stafford Police Department has commended the bravery of the officers who faced direct gunfire while responding to the call. Lt. Lopez highlighted the officer whose radio absorbed the bullet, calling his decision to remain at the scene a testament to his dedication and courage.
“This was a dangerous and volatile situation,” Lopez said. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the community and prevent further loss of life.”
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation by Stafford Police, with assistance from OSBI and SWAT units. Investigators are reviewing ballistic evidence, body camera footage, and witness statements to reconstruct the timeline of events and determine a motive behind Goodson’s killing.
As of now, authorities have not released further details about Goodson’s background or whether he and Mercado had a personal or professional relationship.
Closing Thoughts
What began as a father’s desperate warning to police ended in a tragic loss of two lives and a night of terror for the Stafford community. As investigators continue their work, the incident underscores both the dangers law enforcement officers face during armed standoffs and the devastating impact violent crime has on victims, families, and neighborhoods.
