Lake Station, Indiana: Two adults, three young children dead in apparent murder-suicide
On February 22, Indiana’s Lake Station Police Department announced the shocking and tragic news that after their officers were dispatched to the 6700 Block of 9th Avenue in reference to a welfare check – they discovered five deceased individuals inside a residence. Two adults and three young children were found dead in an apparent murder – suicide.
Later in the day, the Lake County Coroner along with the Lake Station Police Department identified the deceased as:
- Briana Payne (27),
- Aurorah Payne (7),
- Ava Payne (6) and
- Alayna Payne (4).
The Lake County Coroner has ruled the above four deaths as homicides by means of gunshot wounds. The fifth subject Robert Payne (31), who also suffered a gunshot wound, his death has been ruled a suicide.
Police added that the murders and suicide are believed to be isolated actions – with no ongoing threat to the public. No motive was provided for the murders.
“On behalf of Lake County Coroner David Pastrick and the entire staff of the Lake County Coroner’s Office, our hearts go out to the family of this extremely unfortunate and devastating tragedy. Please hold your families and loved ones close as we mourn together as a community the loss of innocence,” the coroner’s office said in a statement.
CBS News / AOL.com shared comments from Sandy Goodman who has lived next door to the family for the last five years:
“They were arguing a lot for the last few days,” she said. “I knew there was something weird, because the cars weren’t moved, and they go out every day.”
Goodman said she could barely sleep Friday night thinking about how terrified the little girls must have been in their final moments.
“Those little girls were just so full of joy and happiness, and playing. They were just awesome,” she said.
For more on this tragic story out of Lake Station, Indiana, see the video below.
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(Source: Lake Station Police Department)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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