A Kansas man fatally shot his wife and four children before turning the gun on himself, according to authorities. The Winfield Police Department responded to a 911 call Tuesday morning from Ronald Williams Sr., 53, who stated he had killed his entire family and was preparing to commit suicide.
Officers arrived at the family's home in the 400 block of West Ninth Street shortly after the call was received around 8:50 a.m. A single gunshot was heard as the first officer approached the residence, prompting a tactical retreat, according to Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong.
Upon breaching the front door, law enforcement discovered Williams Sr. deceased inside, along with five other family members. The victims were identified as Kelly George, 44; Carol A. Williams, 9; Ronald H. Williams, 7; Sarah K. Williams, 5; and three-year-old Kelly M. Magee-Williams.
Police stated that Williams had exhibited "erratic behavior" for several weeks leading up to the incident. Details of the motive behind the killings remain under investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Winfield Police Department.
Authorities also noted that police had previously responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the home.