The bodies of three young children and their mother were pulled out of a Minnesota lake in a family tragedy that unfolded after the kids’ father apparently committed suicide, authorities said.
The three children — who were under 5 years old — and their mother were found in Vadnais Lake near St Paul, the Star Tribune reported Saturday. Police are investigating the horrific incident as a homicide.
Authorities had yet to release the names of the deceased, but Fox 9’s Mary McGuire reported two of the kids were boys and the other was a girl.
The children’s shoes were found Friday on the shore of the lake. Local cops were able to use the mother’s cell phone to track down their car near the lake.
A man, believed to be the children’s father, reportedly shot himself at a Maplewood home and was found dead around 10:30 am Friday by authorities.
Maplewood Police said that while investigating the man’s death, information from family members led authorities to Vadnais Lake around 4 p.m. to investigate a potential murder-suicide there. One child was found Friday and the three other bodies were pulled out of the lake Saturday.
“We’re treating this is a potential triple-homicide here at Lake Vadnais, Ramsay County Sheriff Bob Fletcher told CBS News.
A person identifying herself as the sister of the father shared news of her sibling’s death on Facebook — as well as her fear that his children were dead, too, according to the Daily Mail. The posting occurred Friday before the kids’ remains were discovered.
“Forever goodbye my nicest brother,” wrote Pa Lee, who referred to her brother as “Kos.”
“Why are you making me so mad and sad at the same moment. I’m so sorry that I’m 20 minutes late and cannot help you.”
She added: “I drive so fast to help you and to stop you but I still failed. I’m sorry that I fail you in this life and was late to help you. Only if I was faster then you will be alive.”
The identities of the children and their parents have not been made public by authorities.