Family of 4 Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Oklahoma

Lorenz Duchamps
By Lorenz Duchamps
October 9, 2019US News
share
Family of 4 Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Oklahoma
Police tape in a file photo. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Police in southwest Oklahoma say two elementary-aged children and their mother were killed in an apparent murder-suicide in East Lawton.

Lawton Police Sergeant Tim Jenkins said on Oct. 9 that Russell Cliburn fatally shot Krystle Easley, Emma Cliburn and Kristo Cliburn on the afternoon of Oct. 5.

The murder-suicide happened in a house on Southeast Trenton Street, which is at the east side of the city, about 75 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.

Jenkins said police have not confirmed the ages of the four, but said Russell Cliburn and Easley are the parents and the children were younger than 10.

Jenkins said investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting.

He said the parents of Russell Cliburn witnessed the shooting, but are shaken and have not been able to provide a motive.

In a statement on Facebook, the parents of Cliburn wrote with a “heavy heart” that their son killed himself and his family.

“We do not understand nor do we have an explanation other than he was consumed by the end of the world,” the parents wrote. “Our lives are changed forever and our future died with our grandchildren.”

Oklahoma family
Emma and Kristo Cliburn. (GoFundMe)

The parents also said that his son was mentally ill.

Family of the victims, Michael Easley and Brandon Stabler, set up a GoFundMe page to cover the funeral costs.

“My sister and her beautiful babies were abruptly taken away from us,” Michael and Brandon wrote.

“We are raising money for their funeral and/or memorial,” they added. “We appreciate all/any help you may provide.”

Family of 5, Including 3 Children, Found Dead

Investigators said on Oct. 7 that a family of five was found dead at a residence in Massachusetts in what was being described as a murder-suicide.

Officers responding to a call early Monday found two adults and three children dead. All five were killed by gunshot wounds.

The five were identified as 9-year-old twins, an 11-year-old girl, a 40-year-old woman, and a 43-year-old man, reported WHDH.

“This is a horrible, horrible event here for the town of Abington and for the children in the schools that reside here,” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said during a press conference.

A relative who went to the house to pick up one of the kids to take them to school discovered the bodies.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Associated Press and Epoch Times reporter Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.

ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments