In the quiet, rural community of Culpeper, Virginia, a grim discovery shattered the peace on a summer evening. Concern grew for 35-year-old Shauna Washington and her family when they did not attend church services on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Later that day, after receiving no answer at their home, Shauna's mother gained entry to the residence and was met with a horrific scene.
Inside, she found the bodies of her daughter, her son-in-law, and her three granddaughters.
Investigators from the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office determined that Shauna Washington, a certified nursing assistant, had been shot and killed by her 35-year-old husband, Clarence Washington. The tragedy extended to their three young daughters, Onesha, 13, Onya, 6, and Olivia, 4, who were also found dead from gunshot wounds. The investigation concluded that Clarence Washington, a custodian at a local elementary school, had killed his wife and children before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide.
Authorities believe a heated domestic argument preceded the killings. Despite the apparent domestic trouble, police had not been called to the family's home before the incident. The case was closed following the determination of a murder-suicide, as the sole suspect was also deceased. The community was left to mourn the sudden and tragic loss of the entire family.
