MEDFORD, Ore. — Police believe a 51-year-old man stabbed his wife and their four young children and set fire to their house on Monday, killing all five victims. The man was hospitalized as authorities tried to piece together the frantic scene.
Neighbors described watching firefighters using CPR to try to revive the family members, including children, as they lay on the lawn in front of their home. Rescuers quickly realized it wasn't just smoke inhalation they were dealing with and rushed the 30-year-old mother and the children — ages 2, 5, 6 and 7 — to the hospital.
But all five died. The father was also taken to the hospital, where he was being detained. Police believe he killed his family.
"That is the suspicion right now — the fellow we have up at the hospital under guard is responsible," said Police Chief Tim George.
George said the five dead had suffered stab wounds and smoke inhalation. Their names were withheld until family members were notified.
Earlier in the morning, a man at the house called in a missing person report for the mother. Police said she returned unharmed after being located a few blocks away.
At around 9 a.m., Calvin Kennedy said he and other neighbors saw smoke coming out of the house and contacted police and firefighters.
They pulled the family from the home and worked on the lawn to try to save them.
"When I first saw it, all I could do was cry," Jennifer Backes told the Medford Mail Tribune as she watched the rescue efforts.
Kennedy said the family moved in less than a year ago, and seemed nice. The mother occasionally took the children out for walks.
"Never saw any trouble," Kennedy said. "It's just sad."