A child has been charged with murder after a family are believed to have been shot dead in their own home.

The bodies of a man and woman, together with two boys thought to be their sons, aged three and 12, were found in Elkview, West Virginia, US, according to reports.

A relative is said to have visited the family home in Cemetery View Drive at around 10.30am yesterday morning, after struggling to contact them the day before.

They found the door unlocked before being confronted with the sight of their lifeless bodies, and called the police.

A fifth family member – said to be a 16-year-old boy – was found safely away from the crime scene, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office reportedly said.

Deputies have yet to reveal the name or age of the individual accused.

The names of the deceased have also yet to be officially released.

The four victims reportedly died from gunshot wounds, although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed and the investigation is ongoing.

In a statement to the media last night, Sheriff Mike Rutherford confirmed a juvenile had been charged with the killings, local station WVMetroNews reports.

‘We determined immediately on the deputies’ arrival they were all deceased,’ he said.

The Sheriff added that there is ‘no reason to believe the community is in danger’, WSAZ news channel reported.

But neighbour Samra Mullins told reporters how everyone in the community is ‘on edge’.

‘It’s a little nerve-wracking,’ they said. ‘You don’t expect this to be so close to home.

‘It’s just more stress. You know, we’re dealing with the Covid. It’s just more bad news.’

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