Tragedy struck in New Zealand over the weekend as three young children and their father were reportedly killed in a suspected murder-suicide.
Authorities say the incident occurred on Saturday, November 15, at a property in Sanson, north of Wellington. Police and emergency services were called to a house fire around 2:30 p.m. local time. The victims included children aged 1, 5, and 7, along with their father.
While investigators are treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide, police have not yet confirmed whether the deaths have been officially classified as a homicide. Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the man did not suffer burns and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a press release, New Zealand Police said the house was severely damaged but that no one else is being sought in connection with the incident. The bodies of the man and two of the children were recovered on Sunday, with the family present to bless them, while the third child’s body was also recovered that day.
Grantham acknowledged the devastating nature of the case, saying, “It’s unimaginable the horror and the heartache that this family are going through. It’s great for the community to support them. It’d be great if we can all support them, just give them some space to grow and get through it.”
The identities of the children were later shared on a Givealittle page, which has raised over $139,000 (about $247,000 NZD) to support their mother, Chelsey. The children were named August, Hugo, and Goldie.
Autopsies are expected to be carried out this week as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances behind this heartbreaking event.
Neighbor Alan Parker described the situation as “something very dark and terrible” and expressed condolences to the families affected.
This tragedy has left the local community and the nation in mourning, highlighting the importance of supporting those affected while authorities continue their investigation.