A Virginia mom and her three kids were found dead inside their home early Friday shortly after the scared woman called 911 to report a “possible intruder” at her residence.
JoAnna Cottle, 39, was still on the phone when she was fatally shot with her three children, a 13-year-old girl, and 4-year-old twins.
“She remained on the line with us as the intruder made entry,” Chesterfield County Police Lt. Col. Chris Hensley said.
“There was gunfire and then silence. But our officers were on the way and immediately made entry. The suspect obviously was not there. But of course, they found the four victims all deceased.”
Authorities said that the suspect was seen roaming around the victims’ home wearing a camouflage mask. Police identified him as Cottle’s ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Jonah Adams.
Adams and Cottle were in a custody dispute over the younger children and she had unsuccessfully requested a protective order against him.
The suspect was arrested in Waldorf, Maryland where he lives; he is facing four counts of first-degree murder.
