Middletown, MARYLAND (BNO NEWS) – Christopher Alan Wood, age 34, is suspected of killing his wife, three children and himself, authorities in Middletown, Maryland said on Saturday.

Deputies responded to the first block of Washington Street at approximately 9.09 a.m. this morning after a family member reported finding five deceased persons inside a residence. All the victims are believed to be family members.

Upon arrival, deputies made entry into the home to gather preliminary information and then secured the home until a search warrant could be obtained. Hours later, at 2.35 p.m., criminal investigators entered the residence after they obtained a search warrant.

The deceased family has been identified as Christopher Alan Wood, age 34, Francis Billotti-Wood, age 33 and their three children, two males, ages five and four and a female, age two. Out of respect for the family, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the names of the children.

An initial investigation by criminal investigators has found that it appears to be a murder-suicide. “The investigation indicates that Mr. Wood killed the members of his family and then killed himself by an apparent gunshot wound,” spokeswoman Jennifer Baily said. “The cause and manner of the death of the wife and children has not been determined, but it is apparent that they sustained traumatic cut injuries.”

The father was found lying on the floor of the master bedroom while the 2-year-old female child was found with her mother in the master bedroom bed. The male children were found in their beds. A shotgun along with several other items that could have been used as weapons have been recovered from the home. Several handwritten notes were also found but it was not immediately clear what was written in them.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is continuing to investigate and anticipates being on the scene throughout the evening. A media update is scheduled for 7.30 p.m.