A Springfield family is in mourning after a devastating tragedy claimed the lives of a mother and her young daughter in what police describe as a double murder-suicide.
Authorities say 40-year-old Ryan Parnell shot and killed his wife, 35-year-old Jessica Parnell, and her 13-year-old daughter, Aaliyah Perkins, before setting their home on fire. After starting the blaze, police report that Parnell turned the gun on himself.
“The flames were just enormous coming out of that house,” recalled neighbor Ruth Lennon, who witnessed the fire.
Springfield Police confirmed the identities of the victims on Sunday. The investigation remains ongoing, but officials said additional information will be released once the case is closed.
The Perkins family is now facing the heartbreaking task of laying their loved ones to rest. They have started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. Donations can be made here: GoFundMe Link.
“Our beloved Jessica Parnell and her daughter Aaliyah Perkins were tragically taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence. We ask privacy and prayers during this time,” the family shared in a statement.
