An Arizona mom and her two young children were killed earlier this month in what police suspect was a triple murder-suicide.
authorities arriving to a Pima, Ariz., property on Oct. 16 discovered the bodies of 31-year-old Justice Jones and her two children, 8-year-old Tyme Oates and 9-year-old Kyle Oates, according to AZ Family and the Gila Herald, both of which spoke with authorities.
Jones’ father, Duane Jones, was also discovered dead, and authorities suspect he murdered the three victims before taking his own life, according to reports.
Police stated all four died of gunshot wounds. According to investigators, Duane was in possession of the gun when the bodies were discovered.
A family member, Breana Flores, told AZ Family that the night before the killings, Justice allegedly published a Facebook post with a “weird” emoji.
“She put a post on Facebook and just said ‘good night’ with the weird slant emoji so it was evident that something was going on,” Flores recalled.
“I just hope that all of them … I hope they were asleep,” Flores told a news source, “and no one had to see anything happen to the others and didn’t have to experience any type of fear before it happened.”
She added that she and other family members were unaware of any mental health issues with Duane.
To honor the children and their mother, two separate GoFundMe fundraising pages have been set up.
“These beautiful children were full of light, laughter, and love,” stated a fundraiser organized by Phillip Oates.
“They deserved to grow up, chase their dreams, and feel safe,” the children’s grandparents wrote in the appeal. “The organizers of the fundraiser said the donations would be used to prepare memorial services for the victims.”
Flores has arranged another fundraiser to help the children’s father, identified only as Phil, as he prepares for the funeral, misses work without pay, and goes out of state.
