LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Four people were found dead Tuesday afternoon in a house fire in rural Jefferson County, Ind., just outside of Madison.
"It’s sad. And what makes it even worse, it’s Christmas-time," said neighbor Carol Woodfill. She had just finished pulling decorations out of the garage when she heard sirens nearby.
At around 4 p.m., first responders arrived on scene in the 1600 block of East Telegraph Road and found a house on fire, according to an Indiana State Police news release.
Firefighters found the bodies of four people inside the burning home. Despite life-saving measures, all four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
ISP Versailles Sgt. Stephen Wheeles identified them on social media as Naomi Briner, 35, Adelia Briner, 12, Leland Briner, 8, and Iyla Briner, 6. Officials said it is believed that Naomi was the mother of the three younger victims.
Wheeles said further investigation has determined that all four had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds at the time they were found inside of the home.
Crews extinguished the fire and investigators were called to the scene.
"When we were having this good weather, they were out there in the driveway just jumping and kids just playing," she said.
Woodfill knows it’s a tragedy that extends beyond her street.
“It’s the whole family. It’s the friends, the acquaintances and everybody that’s suffering," Woodfill said.
This is an ongoing investigation. However, at this time, investigators said they do not believe that there is a threat to the public.
Detectives with the ISP-Versailles Post are working with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office and Jefferson County Coroner's Office to investigate this incident.
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