A medical examiner confirmed that the family-of-six died from carbon monoxide poisoning though Lt. Salame admitted to the San Antonio that an official motive has not been determined.
The family is headed by Esquibel Harless, an US Army soldier assigned to the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade at Joint Base San Antonio.
The family reportedly moved to the neighborhood in January from Washington State.
The children have been identified as Esteban Lorenzo Harless, 4; Penelope Arcadia Harless, 3; Avielle Magdalena Harless, 1, and 11-month-old Apollo Harless.
Other possible catalysts that could have triggered the deaths were only theorised, saying: “A combination and life stress that was exacerbated by some mental health issues, and the stress that is not uncommon with having children with special needs as well. were key factors in the apparent murder-suicide”.
One of the four children with special needs is yet to be identified.
Police officers, on June 4, responded to a gated subdivision where the Harless family had a two-story home
The police had gone for a welfare check requested by the husband’s employer, who had been unable to reach him.
San Antonio Police, Chief William McManus said the smell of carbon dioxide was so strong when officers arrived that it “kind of blew everybody back out the door.”
On the front door of the home was a “cryptic note” with military jargon and a member of the military translated it to mean: “Bodies or people inside, do not enter. The animals are in the freezer”, with the chief noting the note also hinted at booby traps.
The chief said based on the note that they received, they were very cautious about going in but were trying to find out what was in there before we made entry.
Upon entering, the cops were overcome by a heavy, noxious odour which turned out to be carbon monoxide and found some explosives after they entered, but they were not rigged.
The family was found in the back seat of an SUV inside the family’s garage with two pet cats were also found dead in the front seat.
McManus said it was not a pretty sight but that there was evidence that “it was not an accident” and he did not suggest that anyone outside the family was involved.
