Suicide pact behind four found shot to death in car in Ala., sheriff says

(CBS) DOUBLE SPRINGS, Ala. - Four people found shot to death Wednesday in a car in Alabama died in what authorities are now calling a suicide pact, CBS affiliate WIAT reports.

The Associated Press previously reported thatpolice said the deaths appeared to be the result of a murder-suicide, but WIAT reports at least two people knew the group had been planning a suicide pact and each victim left behind a suicide note saying they were innocent of child sex crimes allegations.

Winston County Sheriff Rick Harris says 29-year-old Robert Hamrick killed his 39-year-old ex-wife, Kristi Hunt Hamrick, 30-year-old Kevin Carey and 37-year-old Keith Hunt, who has been identified as Kristi's brother, before turning the gun on himself.

The Associated Press previously reported Harris said Keith Hunt had killed the others, then himself.

Robert Hamrick and Kristi Hunt Hamrick both faced charges of child pornography and child sex abuse, but all four left behind suicide notes saying they would rather be dead than go to prison, WIAT reports.

According to the station, authorities determined Robert Hamrick told his sister about the suicide pact several days before the four were found dead. Carey also reportedly told a friend about the pact and that person contacted authorities.

The four were found dead Wednesday in a car on a dirt road in Winston County, Ala., about 100 miles south of the home in Savannah, Tenn. where they all lived together.