The names of the four individuals found dead in a Lenoir residence have been released by authorities. The bodies of the victims were found Wednesday after Lenoir Police Officers and Lenoir firefighters responded to an explosion and fire at a home on Laurel Place NW. The department received 911 calls regarding shots being fired and responded to the scene between 9:30 and 10 a.m.
The Lenoir Police Department says the four victims appear to have died due to gunshot wounds and not the explosion. The victims are 58-year-old Ronald Albert Ward, 29-year-old Ronald James Ward, 18-year-old Katlyn Nichole Ward and 15-year-old Emily Grace Ward. All four individuals home address is the same as the scene of the incident.
Police say Ronald “Jimmy” James Ward, fatally shot his sisters and his father before setting their home on fire and turning the gun on himself.
As a result of evidence gathered at the scene by Investigators, the fire at the residence was found to be set intentionally by use of an accelerant. The Lenoir Police Department said in a news release issued today that they do not expect to release any further information concerning this incident.
Rob Eastwood-WHKY, contributed to this story