Lake Station, IN: A devastating murder-suicide unfolded at a mobile home park in Lake Station, Indiana, where a family of five was found dead from gunshot wounds on Friday afternoon.
Authorities responded to a welfare check at a residence on the 6700 block of 9th Avenue around 2:45 p.m. Upon arrival, officers obtained a search warrant and made the grim discovery inside the home.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Briana Payne, 27, and her three young daughters—Alayna, 4, Ava, 6, and Aurorah, 7. Investigators confirmed that the children and their mother were shot to death in what was ruled a homicide. The girls’ father, Robert Payne, 31, was also found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neighbors were left in shock upon learning about the tragedy. Longtime resident Sandy Goodman, who lived next to the family for five years, recalled hearing frequent arguments in the days leading up to the incident. She grew concerned when she noticed their cars had remained unmoved, an unusual sight for the typically active household.
“I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about those little girls,” Goodman said. “They were always so happy, always playing. It’s heartbreaking.”
The tragedy has deeply affected the community, particularly Virgil Bailey Elementary School, where Ava and Aurorah were students. School officials have announced that grief counselors will be available to support classmates and staff starting Monday.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
