Police: 2 girls, age 6 and 9, slain; father then killed self

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two young girls were shot and killed in a Columbus apartment and their father then shot and killed himself, police said.

Officers called to the home for a reported domestic dispute shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday heard multiple gunshots.

Officers found 6-year-old Alyse Williams and 9-year-old Ava Williams with gunshot wounds, police said. They were taken to Doctor’s West Hospital but eventually succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead early Saturday, police said.

Police said the girls father, 32-year-old Aaron Williams, whom they termed a suspect, had a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene an hour later.

Chief Tom Quinlan called it a “horrific tragedy” and said “Our hearts break for their devastated mother, and all who loved them.”

“This morning I’m not only thinking of them but (of) the officers impacted by this trauma,” he said in a statement. “Behind every badge is a human — a mother, father, sister or brother. And while we have a job to do — a job we signed up for — we hurt too. We grieve with these families.”

Police said the investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives.