Three women found dead in a home in Berlin, Vermont, were relatives of a mother accused of murdering a social worker after losing custody of her child.
Two of the victims found at the home on Airport Road Saturday morning had suffered from apparent gunshot wounds. Shell casings were also found at the home.
Friday, Jody Herring was arrested for murdering an employee of the Vermont Department of Children and Families in nearby Barre. Authorities say the killing was in retaliation for losing custody of her daughter.
A man who said his cousin lives in the Berlin home told necn affiliate WPTZ that the news of the deaths rattled his tight-knit family.
"That shocked me... I'm not a real religious person, but you know, I try to serve the people and help the people and help out wherever I can, but things like that just knocked the socks right off me," David Huntley said.
Gov. Peter Shumlin office says the deaths in Berlin and Barre are disturbing for the Green Mountain State.
"The Vermont State Police are working collaboratively with the Barre and Berlin police and the investigation remains ongoing," Shumlin said in a statement. "Vermonters should know that there is no indication of a broader threat at this time to state employees or the general public. The tragedy that has gripped our state over the past 20 hours is immense. In the coming days we will need to pull together as a state to come to terms with these heinous events. My heart goes out to all the families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected by these tragedies."
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None of the victims' names have been released.
