Lake Station, IN – A man fatally shot four children before killing himself in a Lake Station home Friday night.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, authorities responded to the 6700 block of E. 9th Avenue at 7:48 p.m. Friday. Officers found Briana Payne, 27, Alayna Payne, 4, Ava Payne, 6, and Aurorah Payne, 7, dead from gunshot wounds. Their father, Robert Payne, 31, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials ruled the children’s deaths as homicides and Payne’s death as suicide. The Lake County Forensic Science Center conducted autopsies Saturday. Authorities have not released further details on the motive.
Lake Station Police and Indiana State Police are investigating the incident. Officials urged residents to seek mental health support if struggling.
The tragedy has shaken the Lake Station community, with neighbors expressing shock and grief. Authorities have not reported any prior domestic disturbances at the residence.
Police encourage anyone in distress to contact local mental health services or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
