SACO: A family of five, including three children from 4 to 12 years old, were found shot to death on Sunday inside a US apartment, authorities said.

Investigators said a gun was found near one of the bodies, and it appeared no one outside the family was responsible for the shootings.

Maine state police Sgt. Chris Harriman said murder-suicide is one of the scenarios being investigated, but that determination will be made by the state medical examiner’s office. Investiga­tors said a family friend had contacted a worker at the apartment complex worried about the well-being of the family.

The worker entered the apartment and discovered one body, then immediately called police.

Police found the bodies in three different rooms. Police de­s­cribed the firearm found in the apartment as a long gun.

Shell casings were also recove­red. Officials said aut­op­sies were scheduled for Monday.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2014