GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A man and three children were found dead inside a car in a suspected murder-suicide in Gwinnett County, according to police on Wednesday.
In an afternoon update, Gwinnett County Police identified the children as 13-year-old Arianny Rodriguez, 9-year-old Carlos Rodriquez, and 11-year-old Chadal Rodriquez.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Jose Plasencia, 56, of Norcross.
Police explained in an interview to 11Alive what they had learned so far in their investigation about some of the events that unfolded before the deadly shooting, including how the suspect knew the kids.
A mother of four was previously in a relationship with the Plasencia. The one child they shared needed medical attention Tuesday for an unrelated injury. The mom had all of the children with her at the hospital as she got treatment for the one with the injury. Police said the mother agreed to let her 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.
Authorities reiterated that the man, who investigators believes to be the suspected shooter, is not related to the children who were in the car.
Investigators are still working to determine other circumstances surrounding the incident.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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