photo credit: Fer Gregory // Shutterstock

Craven County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Michael Jason Ireland, 39, killed his wife, their 3 children and their dog before turning the gun on himself. The incident happened sometime between Wednesday, January 22 and Friday, January 24.

On Friday, January 24th, deputies went to the house for a welfare check, where they were met by a family member who had not been able to get in touch with the family since Wednesday. There were no signs of forced entry, but a body could be seen through the curtain, resulting in officers forcing their way into the home.

Michael Jason Ireland’s body was found in the bedroom, with a revolver next to him. His dog in the room as well. His wife April Nicole Ireland, 26, was found dead next to her daughter Caroline, 8 months old, both on their living room couch. On another couch were the couple’s two other children Michael, 4, and Bryson, 3, dead from a single gunshot wound.

According to neighbors, Michael lived at that address with his wife April, three children, and dog. Neighbors recall Michael working on a shrimp boat in Virginia and rarely being home.

Source: WNCT