March 17, 2012 (Saturday)
Christine Adewunmi, 37, and her daughters 8-year-old Lauren, 6-year-old Samantha and 3-year-old Kate were discovered at the Blue Springs Ranch & Resort near Bourbon, Mo., about 80 miles southwest of St. Louis, after Adewunmi's husband Mr. Leonard Adewunmi had reported them missing on Firday. The mother killed her daughters and then turned the gun on herself.
Leonard Adewunmi told law enforcement that his wife had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was depressed and unexpectedly left the home with their children on two prior occasions. He said Christine Adewunmi and their three children were home when Leonard left for work at 5:30 a.m. Friday but were not there when he returned at 6 p.m.
A report filed by Leonard Adewunmi also stated that he believed his wife potentially was suicidal due to her depression, and that she had been researching ways to commit suicide online.
The Crawford County Sheriff's Department reported that a box believed to be used to store the handgun was found in the vehicle. The weapon which police believe was used for the shootings was found at the scene along with four empty cartridges. A background check with the registry maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives revealed that the weapon was purchased from a St. Louis area business on February 21.