An Indiana man took his own life after killing his wife and their three daughters in a tragic murder-suicide, police in Lake Station said.
Officers conducting a welfare check on the family on Friday afternoon found the bodies of the five family members dead from gunshot wounds.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Briana Payne, 27; Aurorah Payne, 7; Ava Payne, 6; and Alayna Paye, 4. Their deaths were ruled homicides.
31-year-old Robert Payne is believed to be the perpetrator of the murders. He was also found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
“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,” the office said.
“Please hold your families and loved ones close as we mourn together as a community the loss of innocence.”
Neighbor Sandy Goodman described the family as “very nice” although she recalled hearing an argument on Wednesday.
“I think that people would remember that, and those little girls were just so full of joy and happiness and playing. They were just awesome.”
