LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Madison Consolidated Schools is offering grief support for students after three young children and their mother were tragically found shot in a house fire on Tuesday afternoon.
Around 4 p.m., first responders arrived on scene in the 1600 block of East Telegraph Road and found a house, located just outside of Madison, Ind., on fire.
After battling the flames, firefighters found the bodies of Naomi Briner, 35, Adelia Briner, 12, Leland Briner, 8, and Iyla Briner, 6. Naomi is believed to be the mother of the three young victims.
ISP Versailles Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said further investigation has determined that all four had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds at the time they were found dead inside the home.
As authorities keep investigating, they said they do not believe there is a threat to the public.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of two Rykers' Ridge Elementary students, Leland Briner (3rd grade) and Iyla Briner (1st grade), and former Lydia Middleton and MJHS student Adelia Briner in a tragic accident earlier this week," a spokesperson for Madison Consolidated Schools said, later adding that Adelia was currently enrolled at the Christian Academy of Madison.
In a letter sent to families on Wednesday, the school is offering additional counseling and grief support for students to be able to talk to someone to try and understand and process their grief.
The district is launching a partnership with Care Solace, an organization committed to mental health care coordination, that will be rolled out to staff and families over the next few days. People can use this 24/7, 365 days a year to find treatment options that are right for them. This initiative has been in the works for a few weeks.
Administrators said they will also continue to work with counselors and local community clergy to provide additional support throughout the remainder of the week.
"We ask that our community continue to lift up the Briner family, and members of the Rykers' Ridge school community as we continue to navigate this tragic loss," a spokesperson for Madison Consolidated Schools said. "We will do all we can to support them during this very difficult time."
The cause of the fire remains unknown. This is an ongoing investigation.
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