Three people found dead in Indiana home in what appears to be a murder-suicide

Three people have been discovered dead inside a residential property in Indiana in what investigators believe to be a murder-suicide. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office issued a press release on Thursday, confirming the deaths of Brett Dixon, 36, Melissa Cochran Dixon, 54, and Paul Dixon, 61.

Welfare check leads to grim discovery

Sheriff Nick Smith confirmed that deputies were dispatched to a property on Greenbrier Road SE in Elizabeth at approximately 7:26 p.m. on Wednesday, 13 May, following a welfare check request from Ray Dixon, who resides in Mississippi. Ray had contacted authorities out of concern for his brother Paul, who had expressed suicidal thoughts earlier that day.

Upon arrival, responding officers found Brett deceased on the front porch. The bodies of Melissa and Paul were subsequently discovered inside the property.

Post-mortem findings

A preliminary investigation conducted by the Harrison County Coroner's Office and Harrison County Detectives indicated that Brett had sustained gunshot wounds to both the chest and the head. Melissa had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. Paul's death was attributed to "a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities stated that their evidence "indicates the individual responsible for the shootings is the same individual who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound." The sheriff's office also confirmed that there was no threat to the wider community and that no suspect remained at large.

Official statement on the tragedy

"This incident is a tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, extended family, and friends of those involved," the press release read, adding that no further details would be disclosed whilst the investigation remains ongoing.

Community left in shock

The deaths have left the local community deeply shaken. Neighbour Ramanda Archibald told WLKY that the news came as a complete surprise.

"My niece went to school with him with the younger gentleman that died and he lives right around the corner from us," she said. "I mean we'd see him out mowing his grass and everybody waves. It's just a very tight knit community."

Another resident, identified by the news station as Robert Hasty, paid tribute to Brett, describing him as a "Good kid" who would "Do anything in the world for you."

"Always had a smile on his face. Every time I seen him. I was like a second dad to him," Hasty said.