Sheriff: Son killed parents and himself in Racine County
ROCHESTER, Wis. - The Racine County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, Jan. 26 released the identity of the three people who died in an apparent murder-suicide in Racine County. The identities of the deceased have been confirmed as follows: 65-year-old Terrence Vinz, 62-years-old Debra Meagher, 30-year-old Matthew Vinz.
Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling described the events leading up to this discovery on Friday, Jan. 22.
Apparent murder-suicide in Village of Rochester
Deputies were dispatched to a home in the 400 block of N. State Street in Rochester Friday morning, Jan. 22 -- to check the welfare of the people inside. A relative from out of state had called. Deputies knew there were three people living in the home -- a 30-year-old man and his parents.
When the deputies arrived on the scene, they entered the home. Moments after getting inside, they heard a gunshot ring out. At that point, the deputies took a tactical position and created a safe perimeter around the home and neighborhood.
Apparent murder-suicide in Village of Rochester
Officials used multiple advanced pieces of technology including tactical robots to get a handle on what was happening inside of the residence.
After some time, authorities discovered an adult male and adult female deceased -- and completely concealed in the garage. Sheriff Schmaling indicated the victims had been deceased for a "significant period of time."
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Later, officials found an adult male dead in the basement from a "recent self-inflicted gunshot wound."
The sheriff said there is no present threat to the community.
"I firmly believe the person responsible for this senseless tragedy is the deceased adult male located in the basement with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Schmaling said. "This is a very sad and tragic and unfortunate day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' family at this time."
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