'We're Inconsolable!' Family Speaks Out After Mom & 3 Kids Found Dead In Murder-Suicide
May 4 2018, Updated 4:56 p.m. ET
Three North Dakota kids and a mother were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide after police were asked to do a welfare check following the children's absence from school. Now, their heartbroken grandmother is speaking out in an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com.
6-year-old Arianna Talmage, 10-year-old Aidan Talmage, and 14-year-old Tyler Talmage were discovered in their Grand Folk, North Dakota home Thursday morning with gunshot wounds, along with their mother Astra Volk, who was 35-years-old.
Police were asked to do a welfare check on the family after one of the children's schools became concerned.
The children's grandmother (mother of the children's son), Annette Volk, told RadarOnline.com the family "was going through a very hard time" after learning the tragic news.
"We are really having a hard time here," she said. "We don't know anything. We have no idea why she would do this.
The family was "inconsolable," said the heartbroken grandmother, adding that the father of the three children was especially devastated.
Neighbor Paula Stevens told local news that the family had moved into the neighborhood only two months ago — renting a house that was recently renovated. Stevens revealed she rarely saw Volk due to her odd working schedule, and added the kids were kept inside during the long winter.
Police revealed that a handgun was found at the scene and no suspects were being sought.
Prior to the tragic deaths, the family seemed to be suffering financially. According to court records, Volk had been in civil court three times in the past year for collections totaling to $3,700.
Just last week, on April 25, 2018, Volk created a GoFund Me page pleading for money. "Myself and my boys suffer from mental illness, bi polar, manic depression, autism, etc, we have all been hospitalized for this," the post read. "I work full time but my wages have recently been garnished for medical bills. I'm looking for help with 1 months bills to help get on our feet and look for a second job. I am trying to stay positive so I do not end up back in the hospital. We are utilizing food shelf's to help with funds. Thank you."
If you or someone you know is in an emotional distress or suicidal, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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