Daniel Martinez allegedly murdered his common law wife, Claudia Arriaga, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
Houston police said Martinez allegedly admitted he was fighting with Arriaga when he hit her in the face with a pistol.
Arriaga's three children with Martinez, ages 4 to 17, allegedly ran into the room after hearing the assault.
WATCH: Man allegedly kills wife in front of 3 kids
Husband kills wife
The children allegedly pleaded with their father to call 911 when they saw blood streaming down her face, and that is when police said Martinez shot her to death.
Martinez allegedly told officers he snapped, pulling the trigger right in front of his children.
All three children were interviewed by police, and gave statements in their investigation.
In court today, Martinez asked for a public defender.
A judge set his bond for the murder charge at $50,000.