A sad and senseless death

The death of Amarillo doctor David Houseal on Monday afternoon in a mental health clinic in Baghdad is sad on so many levels.

Dr. Houseal, 54, was a psychiatrist at the Texas Panhandle Mental Health Mental Retardation since February 1997. He was in Baghdad fulfilling his service as an Army reservist.

Dr. Houseal was one of five who were shot and killed at the clinic. Sgt. John Russell, a patient at the mental health clinic, was arrested in the shootings.

A soldier fulfilling his duty during conflict knows the danger. So, too, does the family. But the danger is always thought to be from the enemy. To know a death came from a disturbed American who Houseal and others were trying to help has to be incredibly hard to accept.

Dr. Houseal leaves behind a wife and six children. They need a lot of prayers in a terrible time like this.