The victims were discovered Saturday morning and have been identified as Chandrasekhar Sunkara, 44, Lavanya Sunkara, 41, and two boys ages 10 and 15 years old, according to a press release from the West Des Moines Police Department. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene and all lived in the home, police officials said.
The facts in the case are still unclear, but police said there were four guests in the house at the time of the shooting, including two other children who survived. One of the guests ran out to get help, flagging down someone walking in the neighborhood, who called 911.
Police Sgt. Dan Wade called the shooting deaths a “tragedy.”
"This tragedy will impact family, friends, co-workers, anyone that knew this family," Wade said in the press release.
“We are continuing to work through this investigation. We will follow through until we have answered as many questions as the evidence allows,” he said.
Wade also said there is no threat to the community.
While officers responding to the scene said gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death for the victims, autopsies have been scheduled.
The investigation continues.
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