MATOACA, Va. (AP) — A Chesterfield father shot and killed his wife, son, and step-daughter before killing himself, according to police.
Chesterfield County investigators believe 35-year-old Barry C. Jernigan shot his 30-year-old old wife, Renotta Jernigan; his 9-year-old stepdaughter, Alexis F. Kellas; and 2-year-old son, Seth Jernigan. Police say the father then shot himself.
The shootings occurred Sunday night at the family’s home in the Matoaca area, about 30 miles southwest of Richmond.
Police said Monday in a news release that officers went there for a welfare check. They heard gunshots when they arrived and saw bystanders trying to help the mother and the boy outside.
Barry Jernigan and his stepdaughter were found inside the house. They and the mother died at the scene. The boy was pronounced dead at a hospital.
