Jerel D McGeachy: Missouri father fatally shoots wife and son, 12, before pulling trigger on himself
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Jerel D McGeachy Sr, a 38-year-old police officer with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, has been identified as the perpetrator of a double-murder-suicide that claimed the lives of his wife and 12-year-old son.
The harrowing discovery unfolded after a welfare check was conducted on Monday, April 1, just after 9.45 am, when police found the family members deceased inside their home, each with "apparent bodily trauma," according to statements from the Kansas City Police Department.
Authorities continue probe into Jerel McGeachy Sr's death
The victims were identified as Jerel D McGeachy, Jr, the 12-year-old son, and Domonique A McGeachy, 38, the wife of McGeachy, Sr. Police revealed that Geachy, Sr “appeared to die as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” reported People.
Authorities are treating the deaths of the mother and child as homicides, while the investigation into the tragic incident remains ongoing. Despite this, the police have stated that they are not actively seeking any other individuals in connection with the case at this preliminary stage.
Social media clue reveals troubling family dynamics before tragedy
In a poignant detail, a social media post made by the 12-year-old boy at 5.29 am on the same morning the family was found dead alluded to parental conflict, discipline by the father, and the mother's decision to separate father from son, shedding light on potential underlying issues within the family.
Both McGeachy, Sr and Domonique were employed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, with Domonique serving as a nurse. “We at VA are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” the Department of Veterans Affairs press secretary said, expressing condolences to the affected. “And our thoughts go out to the impacted family members, friends, and co-workers.”
