A Michigan mom and her three young kids were shot dead, and authorities believe the father is a suspect.

Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller told MLive that evidence suggests the husband was responsible for the deaths of his children and wife. However, according to New York Post, the sheriff did not go into further details on Saturday.

The county sheriff's office said deputies discovered the woman and children dead, while the man was injured with a gunshot wound to the head when they responded to a call on Friday.

Police reportedly responded to a residence on 185th Avenue near Johnson Road, south of Big Rapids in Austin Township, at around 2:30 p.m. on a report of a man with a gun and shots fired.

Police said the four family members died at the scene from gunshot wounds while the man was rushed to a hospital.

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Michigan Mom and Her Three Kids Killed

According to ABC News, Miller said the children were all under the age of 10 and described the shooting as "heartbreaking." The sheriff noted that they were not exactly sure what the circumstances were but that it was tragic by all accounts.

He said the person who alerted the authorities was outside the home when police arrived and was not shot. Miller noted that the local school district has been notified and is expected to have crisis counseling available, adding that the shootings have taken an emotional toll.

A family member told WZZM 13 that her three young siblings, 3-year-old Joshua Gillard, 4-year-old Ronald Gillard, and 6-year-old Katelynn Gillard, were all slain. 

Hailey Salisbury told the outlet that their 40-year-old mother, Dawn Gillard, was also killed. Salisbury, the daughter of Dawn and half-sister to the young kids who were killed said: "I am in total shock. I am so devastated."

Although police are withholding the man's name until he is arrested and formally charged, Salisbury noted that it was her step-father Charles Gillard who opened fire on his children and then their mother.

Salisbury said Charles was in critical condition. Authorities have yet to release the name of those involved. Miller noted that police information would be limited so as not to jeopardize future criminal proceedings.

Roger Coles, the superintendent of Morley Stanwood Elementary School, released a statement on Saturday and information regarding a vigil held in honor of the children and the Michigan mom.

Coles said one of the children used to go to Morley Stanwood Elementary School. The candlelight vigil was set this Monday at the Morley Stanwood football field.

Authorities have also yet to provide details about the motive behind the incident. However, they noted that they are investigating it as a homicide.

Family Violence in the United States

Family violence covers a broad range of acts, including emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. According to the Department of Justice, children are the frequent victims of or witnesses to violence, abuse, and other crimes, including domestic violence.

Children exposed to violence are more likely to have difficulty in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, act aggressively, and suffer depression.

Unlike most other crimes, domestic violence is not a sudden, isolated, or unexpected incident. Victims may have experienced years of emotional and psychological trauma and physical injuries that become more severe or occur more frequently over time.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for victims experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources and information, or questioning healthy aspects of their relationship.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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