Marcus Milligan: Elk Mills man kills wife and three children in tragic murder-suicide 3 years after death of child
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
ELK MILLS, MARYLAND: Two parents and their three children found dead in their Maryland home have been identified. According to authorities, Marcus Edward Milligan, 39, shot and killed his wife, Tara Devina Ricker Milligan, 37, on Friday morning, September 9. He also killed his three children, Teresa Milligan, 14, Nora Milligan, 11, and Finn Milligan, 8, before taking his own life. The Cecil County Sheriff's Office has identified the victims and has already confirmed that the victims were found dead in the home. The motive for the murder is still unclear.
After receiving a call about the shooting around 9.20 am, authorities arrived at the scene 10 minutes later to find that all five family members had died from their gunshot wounds. Investigators also found a handgun next to Marcus' body in the garage. The shooting occurred in an area of residential streets interspersed with wooded areas about 60 miles northeast of Baltimore and a few miles west of the Delaware state line. It was also reported that this incident occurred three years after the Milligans lost their youngest child, but it is unclear if these apparent murders were committed with the same motivation.
READ MORE
Due to the elaborate crime scene, Maryland State Police Crime Scene Technician was also called for help and the officials have been unable to find the next of kin the adult male. As per NBC News, Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams said, "It's a horrific day, and I know everybody's prayers are appreciated. My phone hasn't stopped ringing from people concerned about this and upset about this. Its grief is what it is at this point. Anytime you have a loss to these levels. Any loss is terrible, but a loss to this level, which is not a common thing - it's certainly not a common thing here in Cecil County - it's tragic and terrible and it takes a long time for people to process."
The Cecil County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook, "Deputies made entry into the residence where they ultimately discovered five deceased subjects in various locations inside the residence and the detached garage. All of the deceased appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. A semi-automatic handgun was located near the deceased adult male. Sheriff’s Office investigators are currently on scene executing a search and seizure warrant and actively investigating the incident. Sheriff's Office records show no call history at the residence."