Family of Murder-Suicide Victims in Fleming Island Speaks Out
November 04, 2009 07:48 AM
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The father of a woman who lost her two children and husband in a murder-suicide this morning has released a statement saying there are "no words to describe this loss."
Police responded to a 911 call at 6:10 this morning on the 2900 block of Grande Oaks Way in the Margaret's Walk community of Fleming Island, said Clay County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Dan Mahla. Once inside, police found the three dead of gunshot wounds.
Police believe the father, Jerry Whitelaw Jr., 49, is the shooter, Mahla said. Kevin Whitelaw, 16, and Katie Whitelaw, 11, also were shot to death. Their mother, Dana, was in the shower at the time of the shooting; Mahla said it is likely the children were asleep at the time of their deaths.
The statement released this afternoon by Dana Whitelaw's father, William "Mac" McGauley thanks the communities of both the children's' schools for their "incredible outpouring of love, support, and prayers for my family."
Kevin was a junior at St. Johns Country Day in Orange Park. Counselors are on hand to assist students if needed. Katie attended Grace Episcopal.
Those schools broke the news of the fatal shootings to students with grief counselors on hand.
"A profound sense of loss and a great deal of pain," said Country Day headmaster Greg Foster, who declined to speak specifically about Kevin.
Rector Kurt Dunkle said Grace Episcopal in Orange Park is pulling together as family. Dana Whitelaw was a secretary at the school.
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