4 dead, including 2 kids, in suspected murder-suicide in New York home: Sources
PLEASANTVILLE, New York -- Authorities are investigating after four people, including two children, were found dead in a home in Pleasantville.
The incident was reported on Romer Avenue on Thursday morning.
Sources say this is believed to be a murder-suicide and it appears a man killed his wife and two young children.
Police said officials conducted a welfare check earlier Thursday afternoon after the two children did not show up to school.
The causes of death have not yet been determined. The names of the victims have not been released.
The news left people in the neighborhood stunned.
"This is probably as all-American of a community as you can imagine," said neighbor Brian Skarstad. "People of all stripes live here but it's kind of your Norman Rockwell town. And nothing ever happens here. Police don't have anything to do. So when something like this happens it's devastating."
One neighbor said the husband "worked in the banking world."
A winter concert at a nearby school had to be postponed due to the police activity.
"I certainly stand here today representing a community that is reeling under the weight of a tragedy that has occurred in the village of Pleasantville," said Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer.
"This is a very small community and it impacts all of us in this small village," said Pleasantville School Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter. "Our schools will be open tomorrow but our school officials and counselors will be there to support our families, our parents, our kids, and to provide that circle of comfort and care that is needed in times like this."
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