A quiet Indiana community has been left stunned after three people were found dead inside a home in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide.
The horrifying discovery was made Wednesday night at a residence on Greenbrier Road SE in Elizabeth after deputies were asked to perform a welfare check.
According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the victims were identified as 36-year-old Brett Dixon, 54-year-old Melissa Cochran Dixon, and 61-year-old Paul Dixon.
Sheriff Nick Smith said deputies responded to the home around 7:26 p.m. after a man named Ray Dixon, who lives in Mississippi, contacted authorities with concerns about his brother Paul.
Ray reportedly told investigators that Paul had expressed suicidal thoughts earlier that day.
When deputies arrived at the property, they discovered Brett Dixon dead on the front porch. Melissa and Paul were later found deceased inside the home.
A preliminary investigation by detectives and the Harrison County Coroner’s Office revealed disturbing details about the deaths.
Authorities said Brett had suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and head, while Melissa died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators believe Paul died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the sheriff’s office, evidence at the scene indicates the same person responsible for the shootings also died from the apparent suicide.
Officials stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public and no suspect remains at large.
“This incident is a tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, extended family, and friends of those involved,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The shocking deaths have devastated neighbors in the tight-knit community, many of whom described the victims as kind and well-known in the area.
Neighbor Ramanda Archibald said she was stunned by the news.
“My niece went to school with him with the younger gentleman that died and he lives right around the corner from us,” she told WLKY. “We’d see him out mowing his grass and everybody waves. It’s just a very tight knit community.”
Another resident, Robert Hasty, remembered Brett as someone who was always willing to help others.
“Good kid,” Hasty said. “Do anything in the world for you. Always had a smile on his face every time I seen him. I was like a second dad to him.”
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been released.