Town in shock over family tragedy

By Mary-Louise Vince in Newcastle

ABCNEWS ONLINE

13 July 2004


Police say they are relying on the small Hunter Valley community of East Gresford, west of Dungog, to help them in their investigations into a suspected triple murder-suicide in the village.

Police were called to a house in Durham Road just before 9:00am AEST on Monday, after a family member raised concerns.

They discovered the bodies of a 32-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman, a three-year-old boy and a 20-month-old girl.

Forensic police are yet to confirm the cause of the deaths, but it is believed two of the victims suffered gun shot wounds.

Lower Hunter Area Police Commander, Superintendent Charles Haggett, says the deaths have been a big shock for the close-knit community.

"And that's maybe one of the things in our favour is that the local community will know minute details about the situation and that will make it easier to put that picture together," he said.

Police are expected to remain at the scene overnight and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The four were last seen around 3:30pm AEST on Sunday and it is believed two of the victims had suffered gun shot wounds.