Police have released the identity the victims of the shootings that occurred in a Californian home on Friday, Jan. 5.
The victims were identified by friends as 51-year-old Michael Birnkrant, 47-year-old Amy Birnkrant, and their two children, 20-year-old Drew Birnkrant and 11-year-old Sean Birnkrant.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Rodney Moore said the shooting “appears to be a murder-suicide in which the husband shot and killed three individuals and then turned the gun on himself,” reported the news station.
According to police reports, the bodies were found in different locations inside the house with bullet wounds in their chests. The gun was found close to Michael’s body.
It is unclear how long the bodies had been there. Police have not been able to determine a motive for the shootings, reported the news station.
Authorities were conducting a welfare check at the 28800 block of Startree Lane on Friday at around 7 a.m. on the family after Amy’s friends told them they had not seen her for a few days.
Moore said they are not looking for a suspect and there was no indication of a break-in. Police are still investigating the motive behind the killing.
Amy’s friends from the fitness center she went to described her as an “optimistic, motivating and kind” person in a Facebook post on Jan. 6.
“She was such a big part of our Paseo family. She will forever be known for her incredible dedication and for changing the lives of many people by motivating and helping them reach for their goals,” the Facebook post read.
“It’s devastating to know of anybody doing this, let alone a neighbor,” Sandy Barajas, who lives nearby, told KTLA.
“Heartbreaking ... those children are gone. they’re gone. That family, a family of four ... they’re gone,” Barajas added.
Friends Read Free