LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) – The Louisville Metro Police Department believe a 33-year-old man shot and killed his family on Sunday, March 20, before their home was set on fire.
LMPD said it is now being investigated as a murder-suicide since the father allegedly turned the gun on himself.
The coroner released the identities of the family on Monday afternoon. Thirty-three-year-old Brad Hettinger, 32-year-old Billie Jo Hettinger, 5-year-old Collin Hettinger and 4-year-old Courtney Hettinger were all pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner all of them died from a single gunshot wound.
Three bodies, along with the father’s body, were found inside the home, located on Saratoga Springs Place, when crews responded to the fire.
"It's always difficult anytime children are involved. It's a tough case," Todd Kessinger, with LMPD, said.
Jeffersontown Fire Chief Sean Dreisbach said multiple fires were set on different floors of the home.
Kessinger said the home security system alerted 911 of the fire.
The Hettinger family's church released the following statement:
"On behalf of the parish and school community of St. Michael, as well as all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Louisville, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Hettinger and Gayheart families on their tragic loss. The parents, Brad and Billie, were parishioners of St. Michael Parish, and the children (Colin in kindergarten and Courtney in the 3-year old preschool program) were students at St. Michael School.
St. Michael Parish is focusing on prayer and outreach to the family and to the parish and school community.
Archdiocesan counselors are working with the school counselor to assist teachers and students, and parents have been encouraged to talk with their children about this situation.
We ask all to join us in prayers for the Hettinger and Gayheart families and for the repose of the souls of Brad, Billie, Colin, and Courtney."