An afternoon welfare check turned into a grim scene in McMinnville on Sunday when deputies found three people dead inside a Greenwood Drive home, including an 8-year-old girl, in what investigators say appears to be a murder-suicide. The Warren County Sheriff's Office has launched an active investigation into the family tragedy.
Scene and response
Warren County deputies were called to the home on Greenwood Drive at about 2:10 p.m. Sunday for a welfare check and discovered three deceased individuals inside, according to NewsChannel 5. The station lists the address as 264 Greenwood Drive and reports that investigators are treating the deaths as an apparent murder-suicide. Deputies secured the property while detectives moved in to process the scene.
What authorities say
Investigators have identified the suspected shooter as Joseph Nicholas Shelton Jr. and the female victim as his wife, Randi Jean Shelton; their child was 8 years old, WSMV reports. The Warren County Sheriff's Office told the outlet that Shelton allegedly shot his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself. Sheriff Jackie Matheny said there is no broader threat to the community and asked residents to keep the affected families in their thoughts and prayers.
Investigation continuing
The Warren County Sheriff's Office says detectives are continuing to work the case and will release additional details as they are confirmed, per NewsChannel 5. Neighbors and anyone with information have been asked to contact the sheriff's office to assist investigators.
