Update: Authorities Say Father Killed Family Before Turning The Gun On Himself

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BROOKLAND TERRACE – The Delaware State Police are releasing the names of individuals that were found deceased in their residence last night.

The individuals have been identified as 42-year-old Matthew Edwards and his wife 41-year-old Julie Edwards, the children included; a 6-year-old boy, 4-year-old girl, and 3-year-old boy. The victims were located inside the home deceased, all from an apparent gunshot wound. Matthew Edwards sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to tp police.

The individuals have been turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where autopsies were performed and have ruled the deaths to be murder/suicide by gunshot.

Update

BROOKLAND TERRACE – Neighbors and friends of the family tell First State Update that the mother is 41-year-old Julie Burton Edwards, the children are 6-year-old Jacob, 4-year-old Brinley, 3-year-old Paxton and the father is 42-year-old Matthew Edwards.

Friends said that the couple had been having trouble and the father was living down in the Carolinas. He had recently returned to the area, added the friend.

Police have not reported the cause of death but it is believed that the five died of gunshot wounds.

Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz said the preliminary investigation began on Monday, July 9, 2018, at approximately 7:53 p.m., when troopers responded to the 2700 block of Ferris Road. Upon arrival, troopers discovered five deceased individuals with apparent gunshot wounds including; a 42-year-old male, a 41-year-old female and three children under the age of 8 years old, upstairs inside the residence.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. At this time, there is no concern for safety in the surrounding area.

The bodies have been turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death. The victims’ identities are being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Breaking Report

BROOKLAND TERRACE – At around 7:45 on Monday, June 9, 2018, Delaware State Police responded to the 2700 block of Ferris Road, near Elsmere, for reports that multiple people were dead inside a home.

Upon their arrival, Troopers from Troop 6 reported that four people were dead at the scene.

Troopers have identified the dead as Julie Burton Edwards and her three children.