Police: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Is Cause Of Death For Md. Family

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (WJZ) -- Shock and disbelief in a small Eastern Shore community. Carbon monoxide claims the lives of a father and his seven children--all found dead inside their home.

It's been more than a week since they were last seen alive in Princess Anne on the lower Eastern Shore.

Rick Ritter has more on the heartbreak and the investigation.

Police confirm carbon monoxide killed the seven children and their father. This, due to a generator running inside the home, as the family was without power.

With tears running down his face, Jermaine Townsend opens up to WJZ about his uncle Rodney Rodd and seven cousins, who were all found dead in their Princess Anne home.

"They were my little cousins. I'm going to miss them dearly," Townsend said.

A dramatic ordeal that's rocked the small town like never before.

"This right now should hit the whole world. Everybody should know what's going on down here," said Bilai Smith, family friend.

It had been days since anyone heard from 36-year-old Todd. School officials even showed up to the home to look for the kids--five of whom went to the same school--Princess Anne Elementary.

Todd's friends and family begged for help, and police eventually busted into the home.

"It just hurts. It hurts. It hurts me," Bonnie Edwards, the children's grandmother, said.

Police say they found a generator inside the home with no gas in the tank, along with the seven children and their father all in sleeping positions.

"The power was off in the house, and they were in different rooms in beds," said Chief Scott Keller, Princess Anne Police Department.

Police say Delmarva Power has been subpoenaed to show exactly when power was cut off to the home.

Maryland laws prohibit companies from turning off electric for non-payment of bills November through March.

School officials say the seven children were adored by many.

"This tragic event has had just ripple effect throughout the entire county," said Superintendent John Gaddis, Somerset County Schools.

While the father was known as a hard-working man who fell on tough times.

"He was an outstanding man. He wouldn't let his kids go without," said Townsend.

Delmarva power released a statement late Tuesday afternoon, saying they discovered a stolen electric meter was being used at the home. That's when they disconnected the meter for safety reasons, but they never disconnected service for non-payment.

Crisis counselors are available at the surrounding schools where the children attended.

Police aren't releasing the names of the children, but the seven children range in age from 6 to 16.

The other two children were students at Somerset Intermediate School and Washington Academy and High School.

Bonnie Edwards told the AP the children are Cameron, 13, and Zycheim, 7; and girls Tynijuiza, 15; Tykira, 12; Tybree, 10; Tyania, 9; and Tybria, 6.