INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) – A 30-year-old southern Indiana woman shot and killed her three children, set her house on fire, then killed herself, Indiana State Police said yesterday.
Amanda Bennett, 30, of Austin, Indiana, and her children Jasmine Abbott, 14, Katelynn Bennett, 9, and Ryan Bennett, 4, were all found shot in the head Friday. The oldest three victims also had smoke inhalation.
While the investigation remains open until the autopsy reports are finalized, “indications are this case is a tragic case of murder/suicide that claimed three innocent lives along with the suspect of the murders, Amanda Bennett,” Indiana State Police said in a statement.
An Austin police officer forced his way into the home to check on the family Friday afternoon. The family dog also was shot, but remains alive at a veterinary clinic.
