Mom and three kids — ages 9 to 14 — found shot dead at North Carolina home, cops say
UPDATE: The Winston-Salem Police Department shared a corrected spelling of the mother’s name in a news release to McClatchy News.
The original story continues below.
A mother and her three children were found dead at a North Carolina home, officials said.
Winston-Salem police were called to a cul-de-sac on April 11 and forced their way into a home. Inside, they discovered the bodies of three kids who had been shot and killed, according to officers and news outlets.
The deceased children were identified in a news release as sisters 9-year-old Sakendra Steele and 12-year-old Sakenya Steele, as well as their brother, 14-year-old Sakenlo Steele Jr.
Also found dead at the home was the children’s 40-year-old mother, Ethel Steele. Officers believe she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The police department responded around noon to the home located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Winston-Salem.
The deaths rattled neighbors, WXII and other news outlets reported.
“It’s a sad situation,” Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough told the Winston-Salem Journal. “That’s all I can tell you.”
An investigation continues, and police don’t believe there’s an ongoing community threat.
Anyone with tips about the shooting is asked to call officers at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or a Spanish-language line at 336-728-3904. People also can share information online or text 336-276-1717.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800 273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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