Neighbours reveal details about father who shot his wife and three kids in mystery murder-suicide – but spared son, 10

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After a 10-year-old boy woke up to find the dead bodies of his parents and three brothers in an apparent murder-suicide, neighbours are sharing their shock at the tragic incident.

Oklahoma City police say the boy found his family dead on Monday morning after 42-year-old Jonathon Candy killed his wife and three sons before dying by suicide. Police say it’s a mystery why he spared the life of his 10-year-old.

Michael Burcham, a neighbour and friend of the Candy family, said the news was a “total shock.”

“The kids were real friendly,” he told told local outlet KOCO. “Everybody loved the kids. Swam here at his house regularly. They played with my dog.”

In addition to Candy, the victims were identified as 39-year-old Lindsay Candy, 18-year-old Dylan, 14-year-old Ethan and 12-year-old Lucas.

Master Sgt Gary Knight of the Oklahoma Police Department said Candy shot his wife multiple times before he “systematically went through the home, shooting and killing their children.”

“It’s unclear what made him want to go through the home killing the children, but make no mistake about it, what happened in that residence was nothing short of a massacre,” Mr Knight said.

Candy worked part-time for the Oklahoma City Thunder, a basketball team, and attended a game just hours before the shooting, family members and nearby residents told KOCO.

Jonathon’s cousin, who was not identified by name, provided a statement about the deaths to local media outlets.

“Our entire family has been left shattered and confused with so many questions we won’t ever have answers to. Jonathon was the one whose jokes and goofy attitude kept everyone smiling,” Jonathon’s cousin said.

“Aside from these events, his children and wife were his entire life,” his cousin continued. “I simply can’t fathom what went on but please, hug your family tight. It’s going to be a very long healing process for everyone affected.”

Mr Burcham described Candy as a “family man.”

“Him and his kids seemed like they always got along,” he said.

Oklahoma City police say they had no previous contact with the family and there was no known history of domestic violence.

Mustang Public Schools superintendent Charles Bradley confirmed two of the victims were current students — one in sixth grade, the other in ninth — while another was a recent graduate of the school system.

He wrote an email to families on Monday, saying the school community was “shocked, and our hearts are broken, this tragedy simply defies understanding.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.