WALTON, Ky. — Three people are dead and another is seriously injured after a stabbing at an apartment in Walton, according to the Boone County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say it happened at an apartment complex called The Legends at Steeplechase. It's about one minute from the Richwood Road exit on Interstate 75 in Walton.
Monique Pena, 31, and her two children, Nikkie Romero-Pena and Katie Ferrell-Pena, all died at the home. Deputies said one of the children's father survived but had stab wounds on his neck and upper body. The sheriff's office said there is no search for a suspect and they believe the incident was contained to the apartment, but officials have not released any additional information on a suspect.
Neighbors like Barbara Arrington cried imagining what may have happened.
"I think it's heartbreaking not even knowing the people just knowing the situation," Arrington said. "You wish you could have done something. It was someone close and somebody who needed help. They just needed a friend, and I feel bad that I just didn't even know."
Deputies said the mother was 31. The father is 36. The two children were 12 and three.
On Monday, Boone County Schools announced they were mourning the loss of a sixth grade student at Gray Middle School. Counselors will be available for students and the district said they will monitor students and staff for any signs anyone needs additional support or guidance coping.
Deputies showed up at the apartment after 9 p.m. Sunday after someone from inside the apartment called 9`11. They remained at the scene more than 20 hours later.
"Something to this magnitude is almost unheard of," Ridgell said.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Autopsies on the victims are expected to be performed in the coming days, the news release said.
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