WINFIELD — Investigators say a Kansas man fatally shot five members of his family — including four children ages 3 to 9 — and then killed himself in their Winfield home on Aug. 11.
Initial call and police response
Kansas Bureau of Investigation special agent Jason Diaz identified the deceased as Ronald H. Williams Sr., 53; Kelly L. George, 44; and four children: Carol A. Williams, 9, Ronald H. Williams Jr., 7; Sarah K. Williams, 5; and Kelly M. Magee-Williams, 3. Authorities said Ronald H. Williams Sr. and Kelly L. George are listed on the birth certificates of all four children.
Winfield police said the incident came to light about 8:50 a.m. on Aug. 11 when Ronald H. Williams called 911 and reported he had killed his family and intended to kill himself. Police who happened to be in the area approached the residence and heard a single gunshot, which investigators believe was the fatal shot fired by Williams Sr.
Scene, breach and discovery
Officers initially staged outside the home and did not immediately enter. According to Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong, they made the decision to breach the entrance at 10:57 p.m. After entering, they found the six people deceased inside.
"I can't say that anything would have indicated that we would be where we are today," DeLong said, describing prior police contact with the suspect.
DeLong told reporters the Winfield Police Department had made contact with Williams Sr. within recent weeks after reports of what the department described as "erratic behavior," including confrontations and yelling. Those earlier calls, along with unconfirmed reports of shots being fired in the neighborhood, did not yield evidence sufficient to intervene, he said.
Investigation underway; no ongoing public threat
The Winfield Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are jointly handling the probe. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public related to the incident.
Chief DeLong characterized the event as unprecedented in his more than two decades with the department. He emphasized investigators are still working to determine motive and are collecting evidence and statements as part of the KBI-led inquiry.
- Time of 911 call: about 8:50 a.m., Aug. 11
- Police breached the home: 10:57 p.m., Aug. 11
- Agencies involved: Winfield Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Victims
Authorities confirmed there were no other residents known to be living at the house. The KBI released the names and ages of the six deceased as part of its public update.
| Name | Age | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald H. Williams Sr. | 53 | Suspect |
| Kelly L. George | 44 | Adult family member |
| Carol A. Williams | 9 | Child |
| Ronald H. Williams Jr. | 7 | Child |
| Sarah K. Williams | 5 | Child |
| Kelly M. Magee-Williams | 3 | Child |
Community impact and next steps
Chief DeLong said the killings have shaken the small southeast Kansas community. He acknowledged reports of prior aggressive behavior by Williams Sr., including confrontations with neighbors, but said officers had not seen evidence early enough to prevent the outcome.
Investigators with the KBI will continue to gather forensic evidence, review phone and call records and interview anyone with relevant information. Authorities did not disclose whether a specific weapon was recovered or other investigative findings pending forensic analysis.
Officials urged anyone with knowledge of the incident or related concerns to contact the KBI or Winfield police. They also reiterated there was no continuing danger to residents stemming from the investigation.
This story will be updated as the KBI and Winfield authorities release more information.
Wesley Carrington is the state correspondent for WE NEWS.
