An Oregon couple and three children were found dead in what police believe was a murder-suicide.
On the morning of Monday, Aug. 11, sheriff’s deputies in Josephine County, Oregon, went to the home of Hannah Marie Behee, 42, after someone asked for a welfare check when she didn’t show up for work — something her coworkers said was very unusual, according to a statement from the Oregon State Police.
When officers arrived at the house on Hussey Lane in Pickett Creek, near Grants Pass, they noticed suspicious conditions outside. After entering, deputies and state police officers found five people dead inside. Police said all of them appeared to have been killed by gunfire.
The victims were identified as Hannah Behee, Chad Behee, 40, and three children — two boys ages 11 and 9, and a 7-year-old girl.
Investigators believe Chad killed the others before taking his own life.
Although the State Police did not say the victims were all part of the same family, The Oregonian reported that Hannah and Chad were a couple who owned the property together. A GoFundMe appeal created by Hannah’s cousin also confirmed that the three children were Hannah’s.
The fundraiser, started by Michael Nadey, aims to help with funeral expenses. He said the tragedy has left family and friends in “deep sorrow.”
“Hannah was a loving mother,” Nadey wrote. “And her children were full of life and promise.”
