Shooter Recently Released From Jail On Domestic Violence Charges

"NEW PARIS, OH — Two people died after a domestic murder/suicide Monday night. The shooter, Brian Harleman, 43 and Samantha Carpenter, a 10-year-old girl, were killed and her mother Catherine Gessman, age 45, was seriously injured.

"The girl attended National Trail Local Schools.

"According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, at approximately 11:48 p.m., deputies responded to 7812 New Paris Gettysburg Rd., after receiving calls of shots being fired at the residence.

"Dispatchers received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting the incident.

"Gessman reported that she and her daughter had been shot, and that the shooter had shot himself. Deputies and EMS units arrived and found three people in the driveway, all with gunshot wounds.

"According to Simpson, the preliminary investigation indicates that Harleman forcibly entered the residence. He recently resided at the residence with Gessman and her daughter. After gaining entry to the residence, an altercation occurred. Gessman and her daughter fled the residence through a back door.

"Simpson said the suspect is believed to have chased them and fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking both Gessman and Carpenter.

"After shooting both victims, the suspect shot himself with the handgun, Simpson said.

"Harleman was pronounced dead at the scene. Carpenter was also pronounced dead at the scene. Geesman was transported to Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, by Northwest EMS, and later transferred to an Indianapolis hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries. At this time, her injuries are not believed to be life threatening, according to Simpson.

"Simpson said there is a history of domestic violence between the suspect and the girlfriend. Deputies responded to the residence on Wednesday, Dec. 17, regarding a domestic violence complaint.

"Harleman was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence last week. A protection order was issued by Preble County Common Pleas Court against Harleman. His bond was posted on Thursday, Dec. 18, and he was released from jail."

From dailyadvocate.com...

"No Weapon Used" In Death Of Dad, Daughter

"PUYALLUP, WA — Pierce County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a possible murder/suicide after a 58-year-old man and his 6-year-old daughter were found dead Tuesday in an apartment.

"According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Department detective Ed Troyer, a resident in the 17700 block of 85th Avenue Ct. East called police to report his neighbor was possibly suicidal Monday night, and not responding to knocks on his door Tuesday morning.

"Sheriff’s deputies called to the scene found the body of the man and the young girl.

"The man was going to be evicted from his apartment Tuesday morning, according to investigators. Neighbors saw him packing up his belongings into his SUV Monday night.

"`We believe this happened either really late last night or really early this morning and there wouldn’t have been anything anyone could do. There was no weapon used, it was quiet, and there wouldn’t have been any other way to intervene,` said Troyer.

"Investigators believe the little girl’s mother lives out of state."

From q13fox.com...

Wanted Sex Offender, Toddler Found Dead

"ANSON COUNTY, NC — A man and a young girl are dead in what appears to be a murder/suicide, the Anson County Sheriff's Office says.

"Authorities responded around 5:15 Monday evening to a home on Horne Store Road, about five miles south of Peachland.

"Deputies found the body of a 33-year-old man suffering a gunshot wound to the head in an outbuilding behind the home. Further search of the property uncovered the body of a 2-year-old girl inside the main home, identified only as Kenya by the Sheriff's Office. Officials say her body showed no obvious physical injuries.

"The man has been identified as George Rufus Harris, III, the boyfriend of the deceased child's mother, as well as a wanted sex offender out of Kentucky, according to the Anson County Sheriff, Tommy Allen.

"According to deputies, the last time anyone in Kentucky had contact with Harris was a year ago. They believe he lived her for a few months.

"Six or seven adults live in the house, along with at least four other children—in addition to the deceased toddler.

"The Sheriff described the conditions in the house as `horrid`, and the `worst he's seen in 30 plus years in law enforcement`.

"DSS has been notified and will conduct an inspection on the condition of the home.

"`It's not suitable for anyone, adults or children,` Sheriff Allen said."

From wcnc.com...

Police Find Man And Girl Dead In Home

"ROCHESTER, MNA 49-year-old man is believed to have shot and killed a 9-year-old girl before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder/suicide in Rochester, Minn., on Sunday, police said.

"Officers discovered the bodies after receiving reports at 4:02 p.m. of shooting victims inside a home on 4553 5th Street NW.

"Authorities said that the general public was not at risk.

"`The incident is believed to have been entirely contained within the residence,` police said in a statement.

"Police did not provide details Sunday night about the relationship between the man and the girl.

"The investigation was continuing."

From StarTribune.com...

Four Gunshot Victims Found In Bedroom, 2 Dead

"TABERNACLE, NJ — New Jersey State Police have released the names of the three children who were shot in what appears to have been an attempted murder/suicide in Tabernacle, New Jersey.

"Financial troubles may have led to the violence.

"Investigators say the incident was reported at 9:16 a.m. Thursday at a home on 39 Holly Park Drive.

"According to investigators, all of the victims were shot inside the same bedroom.

"8-year-old Nadia Harriman and 14-year-old Nicholas Harriman were dead when police arrived on the scene.

"11-year-old Alexander Harriman and 44-year-old Jeaninne LePage were still alive, and rushed to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where they remain in critical condition.

"LePage, who had been shot in the head, is said to be the mother of the children.

"All four are believed to have been shot with the same weapon—a handgun found at the scene.

"The incident was reported by family members, police said, who were in the home. Investigators say nobody heard the shooting.

"Capt. Stephen Jones said, `We are not getting into reasons why right now.`"

Read more at 6abc.com...

Welfare Check Finds Two Dead, One Injured

"EVANS, CO — A man and a teenage girl were killed and a woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head in a shooting at an Evans home on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

"At about 1:30 p.m., Evans police officers responded on a request for a welfare check at a home in the 2400 block of Marina Street. An employer had called 911 to say a man had missed work and the employer knew the man was having personal issues, Evans Police Commander Chad Harding said in news release.

"When officers responded to the home, the door was answered by a woman with severe head trauma, Harding said. She was transported to Northern Colorado Medical Center and was soon airlifted to Denver Health Medical Center with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

"Meanwhile, Evans police officers and Weld County deputies entered the home and found the bodies of a man and juvenile teenage girl with apparent gunshot wounds in an upstairs bedroom, Harding said.

"Neighbor Kendra Finn told [reporters] that SWAT officers armed with assault rifles swarmed the home in the afternoon and area streets were closed.

"The investigation is on-going."

From thedenverchannel.com...

Man Kills Kids, Self

"RENO, NV — A Reno woman says her husband suffered a mental breakdown before he killed their two young sons and turned a gun on himself at their home in northwest Reno.

"Ashley Deane released a statement on Monday after Reno police confirmed the identities of the victims of Saturday's shootings: Her husband, Rob Deane, and sons, Jacob, 7, and Austin, 2. Police said all three died from gunshot wounds.

"Officer Tim Broadway said Monday detectives were continuing to investigate the case as a homicide and would have no further comment.

"Ashley Deane is a professional photographer in the Reno area. Her statement asks for `privacy and prayers` for her family as they suffer through an `unspeakable and unimaginable tragedy.`"

From knprnews.org...

Three Generations Die In Shooting

"SEATTLE, WA — Seattle police say a grandfather shot and killed his daughter and then his granddaughter before turning the gun on himself in a South Seattle home Monday night.

"Assistant Chief Nick Metz said dispatchers received a 911 call from a 10-year-old boy who reported shots fired inside a house on 6328 South Fountain Street.

"Within three minutes, officers arrived at the residence and found an elderly man, an adult female and a teenage female dead at the scene.

"Police later confirmed the man responsible for the shooting was 78 years old. They said he killed his 39-year-old daughter and 11-year-old granddaughter before killing himself.

"While authorities have not released the victims' names, sources identified the grandfather as Honorario Yango, the daughter as Christine Dela Isla and the granddaughter Analia Cowherd, an honor student at Aki Kurose Middle School.

"Metz said the 10-year-old boy escaped unharmed. Extended family members were taking care of the boy."

From king5.com...

"Person Of Interest" Commits Suicide As SWAT Arrives

"LEDBETTER, TX — The shooting of a 19-year-old mother and her 19-month-old in Fayette County is tied to a standoff where the suspect died of an apparent suicide Monday in Austin, deputies said. The Texas Rangers were called to investigate after a 19-year-old woman was found dead Monday in a home along U.S. Highway 290 near Ledbetter in Fayette County. A 19-month-old child was rushed to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin for treatment of a head wound.

"Deputies say they got a 911 call Monday saying a woman and child were lying in blood on the floor of a home. Deputies identified the woman as Justice Martinez. They believe she died as the result of a gunshot wound.

"Fayette County Deputies say they then identified a person of interest who lived in Austin and notified police. Officers went to the man’s address, where he refused to come out. A SWAT team was called in to negotiate, but police say he killed himself instead. Police identified the dead man as Deandre Rashad L. Owens.

"Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the shooting. An autopsy has been ordered for Martinez.

"[Court records show] Martinez had an emergency protection order filed on Jan. 21 against a 25-year-old Owens, but it expired on March 21. Records indicate Martinez did not apply for a permanent protective order after the emergency order expired.

"`We don’t have stuff like that happen in this little town,` said Harley Goerlitz, who has lived in Ledbetter his entire life. `I’ve never seen anything like this in Ledbetter. It’s a calm little town; everyone’s friendly.`"

From kxan.com...

Two Kids Dead After Dad Goes Nuclear

"PORT ORANGE, FL — A Florida father fatally shot two of his children and critically injured a third early Friday morning, authorities said.

"David Mohney, 52, and two of his children, 14-year-old Savanna and 11-year-old David, died in the tragic murder/suicide, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

"His remaining daughter, 9-year-old Lauren, was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando where she is currently in critical condition.

"The father had been fighting with his wife, Cynthia Mohney, an emergency nurse, in their home on Jackson Lane in Port Orange before reaching for his gun, according to police.

"Cynthia Mohney, 48, fled to a neighbor’s home to seek safety and help, saying a couple’s quarrel had spiraled out of control and her husband turned violent.

"`She said her husband had threatened her with a gun,` Volusia County Sheriff’s Officer Gary Davidson told [reporters].

"Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call about the incident about 5:11 a.m.

"Shortly after, gunshots rang out from inside the home at 1927 Jackson Lane, according to a release from the office.

"Police say they found Mohney on the kitchen floor with a handgun by his side, the daughters in an upstairs bedroom together and the son in a ground floor bedroom.

"David and Savanna were pronounced dead at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

"A source told [reporters] that Mohney is a retired military man who moved his family to Port Orange, a city just south of Daytona Beach, about seven years ago so he could study at Palmer College of Chiropractic."

Source: New York Daily News...

Dad, Adopted Daughter Found Dead

"LAS VEGAS, NV — A man and child are dead after an incident near West Washington Avenue and North Jones Boulevard on Sunday.

"It was reported around 8:13 a.m. on Sunday.

"Officers responded to an apartment complex located in the 1000 block of North Jones Boulevard to investigate reports of an unresponsive male inside of a vehicle.

"Arriving officers located an adult male inside of the vehicle who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Officers and medical personnel also located a deceased female infant inside of the residence.

"The investigation initiated by the LVMPD Homicide Section indicates the male and his wife recently became the foster parents for the deceased victim and another child.

"The suspect was last seen putting the deceased child to bed in the early morning hours of Oct. 12, and then left for work.

"The suspect never showed up for work and his work called numerous times checking on his status.

"The suspect’s wife woke up in the morning and went outside with their other foster child and located the male inside of his vehicle.

"After the arrival of officers, the suspect’s wife went back up to the residence to try and locate keys to the vehicle, when she found the deceased child in her crib.

"Through investigation, it appears that the suspect killed the child and then went out to his vehicle where he took his own life.

"The identities of the deceased, as well as the cause and manner of death, will be released by the Clark County coroner’s office. The second child was unharmed and was taken into custody by Child Protective Services."

From jrn.com...

Ex-Boyfriend Kills Three, Self

"RICHMOND, VA — Richmond Police detectives have identified the four individuals found shot to death in a domestic-related incident Wednesday night in south Richmond.

"When they arrived at the scene around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, officers found Adreena D. Gary, 19, shot outside the front door of the residence at 100 E. Roanoke St. Police said she died at the scene.

"Inside the home, officers found Michelle S. Kelly, 22, and Keytrell Kelly, 2, and Traymont B. Burton, 21, who lived at the residence where the shooting occurred. All three suffered gunshot wounds and died at the scene, police said.

"According to police, Burton and Michelle Kelly were ex-romantic partners and parents of Keytrell. Gray was a friend of Michelle Kelly.

"Based on detectives' investigation, they have determined that Burton shot all three individuals before turning the gun on himself."

From nbc12.com...

Eight Is Enough

"BELL, FL — Deputies said a man shot and killed his daughter, his six grandchildren and himself inside a home in the small town of Bell in Gilchrist County on Thursday.

"Deputies identified the shooter as 51-year-old Don Spirit and his daughter as 28-year-old Sarah Spirit.

"Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz released the names of the victims. In addition to Sarah Spirit, they were: Kaleb Kuhlmann, 11; Kylie Kuhlmann, 9; Johnathon Kuhlmann, 8; Destiny Stewart, 5; Brandon Stewart, 4; and Alanna Stewart, who was born in June.

"Deputies said Don Spirit called 911 about 4 p.m., and referenced that he would harm people and himself.

"When deputies arrived at the home, which sits on a long dirt road on 29th Street, they said all seven victims were dead, and deputies confronted Spirit before he killed himself in front of the officers.

"During a news conference Friday morning, Gilchrist County's Superintendent of Schools, Rob Rankin, said, `We ask for prayers for our community in light of the tragic events.`"

From wftv.com...

Welfare Check Reveals Bodies Of Father And Son, 11

"SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A Scotch Plains man shot his 11-year-old son with a rifle and then shot himself sometime last week, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced today.

"The prosecutor said the office was able to identify the father as Jens Elberling, 48, after performing autopsies and examining physical evidence and dental records. A spokesman for the office later confirmed the son's identity as Thomas Elberling, 11.

"The prosecutor's office said police arrived at the home on 330 Jerusalem Road on Saturday morning in response to a welfare check request from a family member.

"Arriving officers found the two bodies inside the home and also recovered a rifle used in the shootings, the prosecutor said. There were no signs of forced entry, she added.

"Mark Spivey, a spokesman for the prosecutor's office, could not say who exactly made the welfare check request. Spivey also said the exact times of death are still being determined, but that neighbors last reported seeing Elberling and his son sometime last week.

"Thomas Elberling was homeschooled and did not attend local public schools, the prosecutor said.

"`This was an unthinkable tragedy that cut short a young life,` Park said. `We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this time.`"

From nj.com...

Man Finds Wife, Kids Shot In Home

"SPRINGFIELD, OH — Springfield police say all evidence leads investigators to believe that a woman shot her two sons then turned the gun on herself Monday morning in Springfield.

"`It’s a tragedy for this community and certainly a tragedy for the family,` said Springfield Police Chief Steve Moody. `Family members are clearly distraught.`

"Chief Moody says police were called to 727 Burt Street just before 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. He says the children’s father arrived at the home to take his sons to school. The father went into the house and found the two boys and their mother shot.

"Police arrived at the scene three minutes after Arthur Johnson called 911.

"The mother, 32-year-old Rachel Johnson, and 7-year-old Daylan Johnson were pronounced dead at the scene. 10-year-old Ayden Johnson was flown to Dayton Children’s Hospital where he died a short time later.

"Moody says the investigation is in its early stages, but he says it appears this is a case of murder/suicide. The coroner must make a final ruling."

Source: WDTN...

Mother And Baby Gunned Down In Front Yard

"TUCSON, AZ — A mother, her baby, and two dogs were shot and killed in the front yard of an eastside home.

"Police were called to an apartment complex on the 1300 block of North Bonanza Avenue, near east Speedway between North Houghton and North Harrison Roads, for reports of multiple gunshots fired just after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"Heather Marcucci, 34, 7-week-old Jase David DeBaker and two dogs were found dead in the front yard of the home, from gunshot-inflicted wounds.

"Jeremy DeBaker, 21; was found dead in front of the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Marucci and Jeremy DeBaker lived together at the home with the child, police say.

"Tucson police Sgt. Pete Dugan, a spokesman for the department, said police are investigating the crime as a double murder/suicide."

From jrn.com...

No Note, No Motive, No Signs Of Struggle

"TEMPLE, GA — Deputies on Monday were still trying to determine what caused a man to shoot his wife, his 21-month-old child and himself in an apparent murder/suicide in western Paulding County.

"The three have been identified as Brian Miller, 41; Kara, 29; and Paxton, 21 months, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. No one heard any gunshots coming from the home in the Gilbert Farm Subdivision, but deputies believe the triple shooting happened between Friday and Sunday, Henson said.

"Concerned that they hadn’t heard from the family since Friday, relatives asked deputies on Sunday to do a welfare check at the home at 178 Gilbert's Way near Temple, the sheriff’s spokesman Cpl. Ashley Henson said. Deputies arrived at the home around 2 p.m. and found the three dead inside, Henson said.

"They found the woman in one room and the man and child were found in the child’s room, Henson said. All three died of a gunshot wound to the head, Henson said. Investigators are trying to determine the motive for the shooting and Henson said deputies have no prior involvement with the family for any type of domestic disturbance.

"`Neighbors said they heard some type of disturbance Friday night, but they didn’t hear any gunshots,` Henson said.

"Deputies did not find any signs of a struggle inside the home and there was no note left to indicate a motive, Henson said. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is doing the autopsy on the bodies, which is expected to be completed Monday or Tuesday, Henson said."

From the Examiner...

Family Of Five Found Dead In Rural Home

"CULPEPER, VA — Three children and two adults were found dead by a family member Sunday night after a murder/suicide, according to the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office.

"Police say 35-year-old Clarence Washington shot his wife Shauna, and then shot their three daughters, ages four, six and 13, at their home in the 4400 block of Rixeyville Road in a rural area of Culpeper County. WNEW reports the daughters were 13-year-old Onesha, six-year-old Onya and four-year-old Olivia.

"Police say the couple had an argument on Saturday. On Sunday morning, the family did not show up for church. Later in the afternoon, officers made a welfare check on the family. We're told everything looked normal, even though the officers did not go in the house. They knocked and didn't get an answer.

"The wife's mother then went to the house at 10 p.m. Sunday, climbed in a window and found the bodies, police say."

Read more at wusa9.com...

Family Of Five Found Dead In Apartment

"SACO, ME — State police said Monday afternoon that 33-year-old Joel Smith shot and killed his wife and three children before killing himself on Sunday afternoon in their apartment on 35 Water Street.

"Smith shot his wife, Heather Smith, 35; his stepson, Jason Montez, 12; and his two children, Noah Montez, 7, and Lily Smith, 4, Maine State Police Sgt. Chris Harriman said at a press conference.

"The older two children were shot in their separate bedrooms, and Heather Smith and the daughter were killed in the master bedroom, where Joel Smith committed suicide. Harriman said it appeared all the victims were sleeping in bed at the time of the shootings. Some were shot multiple times.

"`We know that they were having some domestic issues, some financial problems,` Harriman said. `We’re going to try to get to the bottom of that by interviewing friends, family, friends of the children.`

"Harriman said police had not previously been called to the house. He said prescription medications were found in the house, but would not elaborate."

Source: Bangor Daily News...

Licensed Gunman Kills Child, Injures Woman, Commits Suicide

"RIDLEY PARK, PA — A 5-year-old boy was shot to death late Saturday night and his mother seriously injured in what Ridley Township police said was a shooting rampage by the child's father, who then shot himself in the head.

"Ridley police gave the following account:

"At 11:10 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the Penn Ridge Apartments in the 1100 block of Haverford Road in the township's Crum Lynne section to investigate a report of several people shot.

"Cion Styles was lying on the grass at the rear of an apartment building, bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound to the head. Washington had been shot in the face and buttocks.

"Washington told police she and her son had been attending a birthday party there for one of her sister's children earlier in the day. Tyrell Styles had stopped by around 5 p.m. to spend some time with Cion.

"When Tyrell Styles arrived back at Penn Ridge Apartments shortly after 11 p.m., Washington went outside to retrieve her son and gunshots rang out.

"Washington told police she and Cion had been shot by Tyrell Styles, who then fled in a white Pontiac Grand Prix.

"Several minutes later, police from Prospect Park, Norwood and Tinicum saw that car running red lights on Chester Pike. The car then crashed into a pickup truck at Oak Avenue and Chester Pike, before continuing on Chester Pike with police in pursuit.

"It then turned down Brainerd Boulevard, a dead-end street in Sharon Hill. As officers approached the stopped car, Tyrell Styles shot himself.

"His son was pronounced dead at Crozer-Chester Hospital. Hours later, at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Tyrell Styles was pronounced dead at HUP.

"Tyrell Styles had no prior criminal record and had a license to carry the gun he used, police said."

From philly.com...