Five Dead, Including Three Children, In California Church Murder-Suicide

A 39-year-old California man shot and killed his three daughters and their chaperone before turning the gun on himself during a court-ordered supervised visitation at a Sacramento church. The identities of the victim and the shooter have not been released at this time.

At 5:07 p.m. local time on Monday, a church employee heard gunshots in the area, so they fled and proceeded to call 911. The church is located in the Arden Arcade neighborhood of Sacramento.

The shooter had a restraining order against him by his estranged wife and visitation with their children were required to be supervised, according to People. No information has been released about the chaperone.

His three daughters were ages 9, 10, and 13. The children’s mother was notified of the tragedy while she was out of town.

Law enforcement sources have said the shooter used an AR-15 style automatic rifle. Sheriff’s officials say they are investigating it as a “domestic violence incident” according to the Associated Press.

Following the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted saying “Another senseless act of violence in America- this time in our backyard. In a church with kids inside. Absolutely devastating,” then proceeded to give his sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy.