Warning: This story may be disturbing to some viewers.
A mother killed her three children then took her own life in Chesapeake Thursday morning, family and friends confirmed to WTKR News 3.
Watch: Relative says 3 children who were allegedly shot by their mother were “beautiful kids”
This happened in the 3000 block of Welcome Road at the Peaceful Village Apartments.
Police say just before 7 a.m., they sent officers to a home after getting a call for a welfare check. Officers made contact with an armed person at the home, and the incident quickly turned into a barricade situation, police say. A SWAT team and hostage negotiation team were then sent to the home.
Several minutes later, police say information came in that there may be dead people inside the home. Police then immediately entered the home, where they found three dead children. They also found a woman dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Watch: Neighbor says community is hurting after apparent murder-suicide
Police have not identified the woman or children at this time.
News 3 spoke with Shana Hicks, who says she's a resident in the area. She told us the community is hurting after hearing about the incident.
"It hit close to home because, like I said, it's a close-knit community," said Hicks.
Watch: Police give update on apparent murder-suicide in Chesapeake
Those who knew her said the woman had dealt with mental health struggles.
"That's what you go through sometimes when you have depression and nobody to help you. You feel like you can't go to nobody to help them, but all she had to do was call me," said Remy Simmons, a friend and neighbor.
Family members came by following the incident and were waiting for more answers.
"The oldest one was real quiet ... and then the twins were just jolly and happy because they're younger," said Holley Ingram, the woman's great aunt. "It hasn't been easy."
Check back with News 3 as more updates become available.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, we encourage you to use the following resources.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- You can call or text 988 if you’re in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress
- Findtreatment.gov
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline
- You can also text “HelpLine” to 62640 or call 800-950-6264 for support
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
