Florida police say the family found dead in James Blake’s burned home were shot and killed by their father, Darrin Campbell, who set the house alight before killing himself.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Col. Donna Lusczynski said investigators were looking to determine a motive.
The victims had rented the $1.5 million home from former tennis star James Blake for about two years.
James Blake, 34, was not at the home, located in a wealthy Tampa neighborhood, at the time of the fire.
Col. Donna Lusczynski said they had not found a suicide note from Darrin Campbell, 49, but investigators had concluded the deaths were a so-called murder-suicide.
His wife, Kimberly Campbell, and their two children were found shot in the head in their respective bedrooms in the home.
Darrin Campbell then scattered fireworks and petrol around the house before setting it ablaze, according to police.
Police said Darrin Campbell had purchased “several” petrol cans and $650 of fireworks days before the fire destroyed their home.
Darrin Campbell had been an executive for several high-profile companies around the US and his wife, Kimberly, was a housewife. Their two children, Colin, 19, and Megan, 15, went to a nearby school,
“This is certainly disturbing,” Donna Lusczynski said, adding the two teenagers were well-liked at their school.
“Anytime something like this happens, it’s a tragedy.”
Firefighters were called on Wednesday morning to the home. Neighbors told police they heard explosions coming from the property.
Kimberly Campbell’s father said earlier the family had been close-knit and successful.
William Weimer, vice-president of Phantom fireworks, confirmed Darrin Campbell had bought fireworks on Sunday, describing them as the kind of fireworks usually set off in back gardens.
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