The mother of an adolescent girl and kindergarten-aged twins, a boy and a girl, killed them before committing herself in Chesapeake on Thursday, according to the city’s police department. According to the police agency, the juvenile was 14 years old, while the twins were 5 years old.
Police also confirmed the identity of the mother, 34-year-old Cymone King-Roberson.
Relative says three children who were reportedly shot by their mother were “beautiful kids”
According to school messaging, the teen girl was in seventh grade at Indian River Middle School and the twins were in kindergarten at Thurgood Marshall Elementary. Grief counselors are available at both the middle and primary schools, and families are invited to contact them if their kid requires more support.
The unfortunate tragedy occurred in the 3000 block of Welcome Road, at the Peaceful Village Apartments.
Police said they sent police to a home shortly before 7 a.m. after receiving a report for a welfare check. Officers saw an armed individual at the home, and the situation swiftly escalated into a barricade, according to authorities. A SWAT team and hostage negotiation team were then dispatched to the residence.
Several minutes later, authorities claim they received information that there may be deceased persons inside the property. Police quickly entered the home and discovered three deceased youngsters. They also discovered King-Roberson dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neighbor’s perspective on the barricade situation in Chesapeake
News 3 spoke with Shana Hicks, who says she lives near the vicinity. She told us that the community is devastated after learning about the tragedy.
“It hit close to home because, like I said, it’s a close-knit community,” Hicks recalled.
Police provide an update on the apparent murder-suicide in Chesapeake.
Those who knew her described King-Roberson as a loving mother who struggled with mental health issues.
“That’s what it’s like to be depressed and have no one to help you. “You feel like you can’t turn to anyone to help them, but all she had to do was call me,” said Remy Simmons, a friend and neighbor.
Following the incident, family members arrived and waited for additional information.
“The oldest one was real quiet… and then the twins were just jolly and happy because they’re younger,” recalled Holley Ingram, King-Roberson’s great aunt. “It hasn’t been easy.”
On Friday, the neighborhood gathered outside the home for a prayer vigil. Family, friends, students, and activists left stuffed animals, candles, balloons, and cards as reminders of the four lives lost.
“They loved the kids. And they wanted to demonstrate their love for the family,” neighborhood leader James Washington Jr. said of the growing memorial. “They are going to need a lot of prayers. Many prayers and love, keeping the family strong and in faith, and telling them you love them, you know.”
Nobody expected such a catastrophe so close to home.
“It’s been tough. “It should not have happened, but it did,” stated Washington Jr.
“I am not going to lie, I have been emotional all day since this happened. When it happens to a child, it elicits distinct emotions. Especially me. Russell Taliaferro, the twins’ grandfather, stated, “I love my grandchildren. “I had no reason to believe something would ever happen to them.”
Taliaferro described his grandchildren as “beach kids,” referring to their carefree childhood.
“Joyful, cheerful, exuberant, and loveable are all words that come to mind when you think of children who are simply having fun. Just lovely. “Anyone who meets them will want to hug them,” Taliaferro said. “Not being able to hold them or see them in the light it makes it very difficult for me and my family.”
Taliaferro also emphasized the significance of mental health support.
“Please seek the assistance you require. “If you need assistance, please do not be afraid to ask for it,” Taliaferro stated.