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Sheriff: Dad Shot Family Of 5 To Death In Murder-Suicide In Va.

CULPEPER, Va. (AP) -- The county sheriff says investigators are focusing on the father as the likely shooter in the death of a family of five in a quiet part of north-central Virginia.

Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins said Monday that Clarence Washington, 35; wife Shauna Washington, 35; and daughters Onesha, 13, Onya, 6, and Olivia, 4, died in what officials believe was a murder-suicide at their home just outside Culpeper, a town of about 15,000 70 miles southwest of Washington.

Jenkins says that as early as Saturday afternoon, there was a domestic issue at the house, but police weren't called. Authorities say a relative found the bodies Sunday night.

The mayor and neighbors say the Washington's neighborhood and Culpeper are quiet, family-like areas, and they are shocked by the news.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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