GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett Police on Thursday morning identified the suspect accused of killing three children in what they believe was a murder-suicide.
According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, the deceased suspect is 56-year-old Jose Plasencia of Norcross.
GCPD said on Wednesday that the mother of the three children was previously in a relationship with the suspect.
The department explained that the mother and the suspect shared one child together.
That child needed medical attention on Tuesday for an injury, and the mother and her other three children all went to the hospital as she got treatment for the one with the injury.
Those three children were identified Wednesday as 13-year-old Arianny Rodriguez, 9-year-old Carlos Rodriquez, and 11-year-old Chadal Rodriquez.
Police said the mother agreed to let the other three children go with the man to grab a bite to eat while she stayed there with their child.
However, police said she wasn't able to get in contact with them as night went on.
Then, Gwinnett County Police Department said around 1 a.m., an officer was doing a routine check at Lucky Shoals Park on Britt Road when he saw a car parked on the pedestrian trail. Police said when the officer approached the four-door car, he saw four bodies inside-- with the man sitting in the front seat of the car. The man and the woman's three children had gunshot wounds, police added.
Gwinnett County Police Sgt. Michele Phiera said the incident appears to be isolated.
"It is tragic. Our officers are going to step aside and... do the job to the fullest and make sure that they investigate this as if it were any other homicide. And try to, at least, bring some conclusion to the families who may be involved," Phiera added.
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