Three members of one family were shot to death and a fourth was wounded in a suspected double murder-suicide that took place in Oklahoma on Easter Sunday.
Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Casey Roebuck says deputies responded to a home in the 6100 block of North Frankfurt Avenue in Tulsa just before 9pm after an 18-year-old boy called 911 saying he had been shot multiple times.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found two women and a man dead from gunshot wounds, along with the injured man. On Monday, the deceased victims were identified as Eric Widger Sr, 45, his 42-year-old wife, Melisa, and their 20-year-old daughter, Nichol ‘Nikki’ Widger.
Family shooting: Officials in Oklahoma believe Eric Widger Sr, 45 (left), shot dead his wife Melisa and daughter Nichol, wounded his son Eric Jr and then turned the gun on himself. Pictured right: An old Widger family portrait showing Nichol and Eric Jr as children
Crime scene: Deputies were summoned to North Frankfurt Avenue in Tulsa after getting a 911 call from Eric Widger Jr, 18, saying he had been shott
Eric Widger’s 18-year-old son, Eric Jr, is being treated at a hospital for two gunshot wounds. Another woman, who has not been named, managed to escape the house unharmed.
The station KTUL reported, citing police sources, that the deadly incident took place during an argument between the elder Widger and his son.
Deputies said the 45-year-old father-of-two called a relative and admitted to shooting his family. He also said on the call that he intended to commit suicide.
Investigators say the Widgers had no history of domestic violence, but Melisa Widger and her daughter had recently moved out of the family home, reported NewsOn6.
Mother and daughter: Deputies entered the house to find Melisa Widger, 42 (left), and Nichol Widger, 20 (right), both dead from gunshot wounds
Senior: Eric Widger Jr, 18, was taken to a hospital suffering form two gunshot wounds
In the days leading up to the shooting, Eric Widger Sr posted a string of messages and memes on his Facebook account featuring religious and inspirational quotes, prayers and messages of affection directed at his family.
A status update from early Sunday morning read: ‘my family is my greatest treasure. We aren’t perfect, but I love them with all my heart.’
An hour later, Widger wrote: ‘I need my wife, daughter and son.’
He then shared a series of old family photos depicting his wife and children, followed by happy Easter wishes and more prayers.
Widger’s final post consisted of a meme that read: ‘if you are reading right now, I hope you receive unexpected miracles today and that all of your prayers are answered. Amen!’
Melisa Widger and her daughter had recently moved out of the family home (pictured)