A 31-year-old man has been charged with four counts of murder after his girlfriend, her two children and their best friend were found dead at a house in Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
The suspect, Damien Bendall, was on Sunday arrested at the scene by police after they discovered the four bodies in his home in Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, Derbyshire.
The victims are Bendall’s girlfriend Terri Harris, 35, her son John Paul Bennett, 13, and her daughter Lacey Bennett, 11, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11, who had been staying for a sleepover.
This morning detectives investigating the killings charged him with the four murders. He will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court later today.
Derbyshire Police said the four bodies were found after police responded to a call about concerns for the safety of a man at the address at 7.26am.
They had previously said officers did not have any prior contact with those involved.
Officers also disclosed that the man now named as Bendall was taken to hospital with self-inflicted minor injuries.
The three children were pupils at Outwood Academy City in Sheffield, which issued a statement saying it was ‘devastated’ at the ‘tragic news’.
Emotional tributes were paid to the children by their parents as a vigil was held on Monday to remember them.
The father of John Paul and Lacey, Jason Bennett, said he was ‘heartbroken’ as he collapsed in tears while laying flowers for the children.
Asked about his feelings as he left, he said ‘heartbroken; million pieces; shattered’.
Also, Connie’s father Charlie Gent paid tribute to his daughter, writing a Facebook post which reads;
Parents – spend as much time with your kids as you possibly can. If you’re a parent and arguing, please don’t stop that child from seeing the other parent. You never know what’s round the corner… I’ve learnt the hard way, like most things in life, and it’s too late.
Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklock, who is leading the investigation, said;
Our thoughts remain with the families of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie – as well as the communities that have been affected by this most tragic of incidents.
A large scene remains in place on Chandos Crescent and local residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including patrols by officers in the local area.
I would urge anyone who is concerned about the incident to speak to officers in the area or use the online reporting tool to pass information in confidence.
Derbyshire Constabulary established an online portal on Tuesday for people to submit footage in relation to the deaths.
The public can report information or send CCTV, doorbell video or dashcam footage directly to the investigation team.
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