NC dad set fire to home before killing himself and son, 11, police say. Girl rescued.
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In what police called a murder-suicide, a 48-year-old North Carolina man set fire to his home early Saturday before fatally shooting himself and his 11-year-old son, police said.
Police officers and sheriff’s deputies rescued the boy’s twin sister from the home near Stanley in Gaston County, according to a Gaston County Police Department news release.
The girl was in stable condition at a hospital later Saturday after being treated for non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Police identified the father as Russell William Blakney.
Gaston County Police investigators said they were called just before 2:15 a.m. to assist sheriff’s deputies at the home in the 200 block of Brentwood Lane.
Police said they worked throughout the day to confirm the identities of the man and boy found dead in the home.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to call them at 704-866-3320 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 704-861-8000.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published October 21, 2023 at 10:59 PM.