Sheriff: Husband killed wife, 3 children, family dog before turning gun on himself

CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. — A family of five was found dead inside a North Carolina home Friday afternoon in an apparent murder-suicide, WCTI reported.

Officers were called to a Craven County home, where they found Michael Ireland, his wife April and three children, ages 8 months, 3 and 4.

The family dog was also shot dead.

Deputies were called to a home on Kinsaw Court outside of Vanceboro around noon by a family member who said she was unable to contact the family since Wednesday evening.

Deputies saw a body through a partially opened curtain and forced their way inside the home, Hughes told WTVD.

They found the body of Michael Ireland, 39, in the master bedroom with a gunshot to the head and a revolver found beside the body. The family dog was also discovered in the same bedroom.

The bodies of 26-year-old April Ireland and eight-month-old Caroline were on a living room couch.

Michael, 4, and Bryson, 3, were on another couch in the living room. All had a single gunshot wound.

The sheriff said there were no signs of a struggle inside the home.

Hughes said the county has never experienced such a senseless loss of lives in recent history. Veteran law enforcement officers described it as the most horrific case in their careers.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that were involved. It’s just a very sad time,” Hughes said.

Hughes said at this time it’s unclear exactly when the crime took place. He said it happened sometime between Wednesday night and Friday morning.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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