A registered sex offender with a lengthy criminal history was found dead alongside his partner and their four children in Winfield, Kansas, after authorities say he fatally shot them before taking his own life, police reported Tuesday.
Williams made a 911 call shortly before the incident, telling dispatchers he had killed his entire family and was preparing to kill himself, according to Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong. Officers, who were responding to a traffic crash roughly two blocks away, arrived at the home within minutes of the call. As the first officer approached, a single gunshot was heard from inside the residence.
Police established a perimeter and treated the home as a barricaded situation. Nearly two hours later, officers breached the front door and discovered Williams, Kelly L. George (44), and their four children—Carol A. Williams (9), Ronald H. Williams Jr. (7), Sarah K. Williams (5), and Kelly M. Magee-Williams (3)—dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the final shot heard by arriving officers was Williams taking his own life.
Prior police encounters
DeLong confirmed that officers had multiple interactions with Williams in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, describing his behavior as "erratic." The most recent contact occurred within the previous few weeks, though specific details about those encounters were not disclosed. Police did not specify whether any arrests or charges resulted from these interactions.
The incident has drawn comparisons to other recent murder-suicides involving families, including a Florida deputy who killed his ex-girlfriend over a television before taking his own life, and a Michigan man who shot his wife and six children before setting their home ablaze. Authorities have not indicated whether Williams had any known disputes with George or other family members prior to the killings.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting local law enforcement in the case, which remains under investigation. The Winfield Police Department declined to provide further details pending the completion of the probe.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).