Son's graduation day ends in tragedy as family of 4 die in apparent murder-suicide
Warning: This article contains discussion of violence and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Police are investigating an apparent triple murder-suicide of a Nebraska family who were discovered on the day of one son's high school graduation.
On May 10, at around 9.45am, Nebraska State Patrol were called to a home at Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon.
They arrived to find four people dead - all later identified as residents of the home and named as Jeremy Koch, 42, Bailey Koch, 41, and sons, Hudson, 18 and Asher, 16.
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The results of a preliminary investigation is that Jeremy allegedly killed his sons and wife before taking his own life, a release by Nebraska State Patrol states.
A Facebook page details parents Jeremy and Bailey having established a community called Anchoring Hope for Mental Health - the high school sweethearts of over 25 years having been open about suicide publicly to help show others they're 'not alone,' alongside trying to raise awareness of the mental health crisis.
All four members of the family were reportedly found with fatal knife wounds and the knife located at the scene.
One of the sons was reportedly set to graduate from Cozad Community Schools, the school taking to Facebook to address the 'tragic situation'.
A statement reads: "Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.
"Cozad Middle School will open at 12:30 today for grieving students and staff. The Cozad High School Graduation ceremony remains scheduled for 4:00 pm today. Seniors should report to the high school at 2:00 pm today.
"We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity."
In a follow-up post, it added: "In light of yesterday’s tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. We will have school staff and counselors available for support.
"We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday."
The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies of all four family members and the investigation remains ongoing.
Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation with Dawson County's Sheriff's Offie, Eustis Fire & Rescue and Dawson County Attorney also assisting.
Nebraska State Patrol's release resolves: "The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Parenting, US News, Crime, Mental Health
Poppy Bilderbeck