A mum facing eviction from the family home killed her husband, son and father before shooting herself dead while police were trying to serve a notice to quit.
As officers hammered on the front door with the eviction notice, say police chiefs, they heard a series of shots coming from inside the house.
Police say the only survivor of the bloodbath in Ohio Township, near New Richmond, Ohio state, USA, was her daughter Samantha.
The 20-year-old is in hospital in critical condition, being treated for gunshot wounds.
Police named the shooter as Theresa Cain, 46, who gunned down her 50-year-old husband Steve and their 13-year-old son Ethan.
Her father William Felton , 74, was also shot dead, according to the police.
Newsflash obtained a statement from the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, 1st March, saying: “Based on physical evidence, positioning of the deceased on the scene and the preliminary autopsy reports from the Hamilton County Coroner, it is believed that Theresa Cain age 46 is responsible for the shooting deaths of three of her family members and the shooting of her daughter, Samantha Cain, who remains in critical condition at The University of Cincinnati Medical Centre.”
The sheriff’s office also said: “It is believed that Theresa Cain suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound following deputies initial arrive on the scene who were attempting to serve civil paperwork.” (sic)
Officers described the multiple shooting as “horrific” and said they are hoping to be able to interview Samantha if she survives.
Local media report that the deputies were attempting to serve eviction notices on the family when they heard the gunshots inside.
Schools boss – New Richmond Superintendent Tracey Miller – said in a statement posted on the school district’s website: “We are stunned and saddened by the loss of Ethan Cain.
“Ethan was loved by students and staff alike and his loss leaves a tremendous hole in the heart of our district and our community.
“We ask you to keep Ethan’s sister, a recent New Richmond High School graduate, Samantha Cain, in your thoughts as well. The entire New Richmond community is behind her in this fight.”
A fundraiser has been set up by Samantha’s friends Kalie Clark and Macy Gamel on GoFundMe to help with the young woman’s emergency expenses. At the time of writing, it had raised over USD 20,000 out of a USD 25,000 goal.
The fundraiser summary reads: “Hello everyone, one of my dear friends Samantha Cain has currently fallen victim to a traumatic family situation. Four members of her family have passed away from what the police believe to be a potential murder-suicide.
“Samantha currently remains in critical condition in the hospital and we would like to try and raise money for any expenses that she might face when she wakes up. Any donations and prayers that you can offer are greatly appreciated as we want to do everything that we can to be there for her during this time. Thank you.”
The investigation is ongoing.
