3 girls found dead in River Falls, father arrested
Posted:
Updated:
by Shelby Capacio -
Aaron Schaffhausen
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (KMSP) -
Police in River Falls, Wis. have arrested the father of three girls after the children were found dead inside a home Tuesday afternoon.
Officers were dispatched to 2790 Morningside Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday to conduct a welfare check after a reported domestic situation.
According to police, the mother of the three sisters -- Amara
Schaffhausen, age 11; Sophie
Schaffhausen, age 8 and Cecilia
Lee Schaffhausen, age 5 -- called officers after she became concerned for the girls' physical safety following statements made by their father.
Upon arrival at the home, officers detected an odor of gas before finding the bodies of three children. Though a positive identification has not yet been made, police say the bodies match the description given by the mother.
No one else was inside the home when officers arrived.
Police took 34-year-old Aaron Schaffhausen into custody after he turned himself in at the police department around 4:45 p.m. He was was
booked on three counts of first-degree
intentional homicide. Formal charges are pending and will be determined by the
District Attorney's office.
River Falls Police Chief Roger Leque stressed that residents are not at risk, saying, "All of us are saddened by this tragedy. At this time, there is no danger to the greater community arising out of this incident."
Support services are being arranged for neighbors and other River Falls residents.
A vigil has been planned for 7 p.m. vigil is planned Wednesday night at Glen Park in River Falls. The vigil was organized by Julie Matzke, whose 7-year-old daughter was in Girl Scouts with one of the sisters.
The
Family has asked that those wishing to assist the family with monetary
donations make those to First National
Bank of River Falls, whom will be handdling a fund. To contribute, contact 715-425-2401.
More information is expected Wednesday afternoon at a 2 p.m. news conference.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:07 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:07:39 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:37 GMT
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Aaron Schaffhausen
