CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - A Chesterfield father shot and killed his wife, son and step-daughter before killing himself, Chesterfield Police said. Investigators identified the victims in Sunday's triple-murder suicide as:
- Renotta I. Jernigan, age 30
- Seth Jernigan, age two
- Alexis F. Kellas, age nine
Barry C. Jernigan, 35, was also found dead inside the family's Fox Maple Terrace home, in the McCormick Woods subdivision.
"At this point, the investigation indicates that Barry Jernigan shot his son, step-daughter and wife before turning the gun on himself," police said.
Police responded to the family's home just after 10 p.m. on Sunday to check the welfare of a subject, police said.
"Upon arrival, police heard multiple gunshots. Police soon found bystanders attempting to aid Renotta I. Jernigan, 30, and her 2-year-old son, Seth Jernigan, who had both been shot."
Jernigan died on scene. The child later died at the hospital.
Police found Kellas, Renotta Jernigan’s daughter, and Barry Jernigan inside the house. Both had been shot and were pronounced dead.
A "Renotta Jernigan and Children Benefit Fund" was set-up to assist the family with burial costs. Donations can be made at any Bank of McKinney branch.
The investigation into the shooting remains on-going, police said. Anyone with any information should contact the Chesterfield County Police 804-748-1251.
