Indiana Family Murder-Suicide: Father Kills Wife and Three Daughters Before Taking Own Life

27-year-old Briana Payne and her three daughters, 7-year-old Aurorah, 7, Ava, 6, and Alayna, 4.

Five people, including three young children, were found shot to death inside a Lake Station, Indiana home in what authorities have ruled an apparent murder-suicide.

Police discovered the bodies Friday afternoon while conducting a welfare check at a mobile home in the city, located 40 miles from Chicago.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 27-year-old Briana Payne and her daughters: Aurorah, 7, Ava, 6, and Alayna, 4. Their deaths were ruled homicides, all caused by gunshot wounds.

The girls' father, 31-year-old Robert Payne, was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with officials ruling his death a suicide.

Neighbor Sandy Goodman recalled hearing arguments from the home in the days leading up to the tragedy. “I knew something was wrong because their cars hadn’t moved, and they go out every day,” she told WBBM.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with funeral expenses, describing Briana’s deep love for her daughters and the joy and devotion she poured into raising them.

Lake County Coroner David Pastrick expressed condolences, urging the community to hold loved ones close during this devastating tragedy.