S.C. family of 4 dead in apparent triple murder-suicide

IRMO, S.C. - A family of four is dead after what authorities are calling a triple murder-suicide perpetrated by the father. 

Coroner Gary Watts said Thursday it appears that 38-year-old Sheddrick Byron Miller killed his wife, 28-year-old Kia Von Miller, and their two children before fatally shooting himself.

Watts identified the children as 3-year-old Kyler Devane Miller and 1-year-old Syrai Raquel Miller. Watts says all four people had been shot in the head.

Deputies began investigating Wednesday after a relative went to check on the family and found their bodies. Authorities say the children were found in their individual bedrooms, and the adults were found together in another room.

A gun was found near Sheddrick Miller. Authorities have not said when the family died.

According to S.C.’s The State newspaper, the Millers were devout Jehovah’s Witnesses who hosted Bible studies in their home. Sheddrick Miller also reportedly owned a barber shop.

Tammy Doctor, who reportedly owns a beauty parlor next to Miller’s barber shop, told the newspaper that the Millers had gone to Walt Disney World over the holidays. She said that she had expected Miller to re-open his shop Monday, but that he never appeared.

“He never showed one sign,” Doctor told the newspaper. “I can’t see it.”