A family of four was found dead in Pennsylvania in what police suspect was a murder-suicide.
According to the Pennsylvania-based news outlet Daily Local News, police responded to a welfare check at a home in Chester County after out-of-state relatives reported that they had been unable to contact the family for several days. The report does not specify exactly what day the police went to the home in West Whiteland Township, but police reportedly said they believe the family members died within the last three days.
After officers arrived to the home, they found a garage door opener in a car parked at the home and entered the residence through the garage. They then found two adults and two children dead in the basement.
According to the report, police have identified the deceased family members as Deepak Prabakhar Kulkarni, 50; Arti Madhusudan Ayda, 47; Shubham Deepak Kulkarni, 15; and Sharvil Deepak Kulkarni, 8. Police sources reportedly said all four had been shot, and investigators suspect a murder-suicide, though it is not clear at this time who killed the three victims before taking their own life.
“This is a tragedy beyond comprehension because two children and both their parents are dead,” Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, according to the Daily Local News.
“These were members of our community. We will do everything in our power to learn why this horrific incident happened. My sympathy goes out to the family for their unimaginable loss.”
A medical examiner will perform autopsies on the four family members to determine the final manner and cause of death.
“This terrible tragedy has annihilated a family,” Chester County Coroner Christina VandePol told the news outlet. “We extend our deepest sympathy to their extended family, friends, and neighbors. We know there are many questions about what happened. Further information on the cause and manner of death will be released when we have completed our investigations.”
CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.
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