Five people were found dead Friday afternoon in a home on Pine Ridge Road, which runs south of Interstate 40  between Pottsville and Atkins in Pope County, authorities announced. They were believed to be family members and a subsequent release of information suggested, but did not specifically confirm, that this was a case of multiple murders and a suicide.

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River Valley Now reports the sheriff’s office responded to a 911 call about possible victims at the home. The sheriff said a call came from a relative.

UPDATE: At a news conference Saturday afternoon, Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones released a bit more information, saying five women aged 8 to 50, three of them juveniles, had died, at least some by gunshots. He said this was believed to be a “domestic” incident and no suspect was at large. Those comments suggested, though the sheriff declined to say that in response to a question, that this was a multiple-murder-suicide. Jones said there was no further danger to the public. Identities were not released.

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Map shows location of 5100 block of Pine Ridge Road, which apparently has an Atkins mailing address.

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