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MIDDLETON, Wis. — Middleton Police confirmed three people were found dead and a fourth person was shot at a home on 6303 Maywood Avenue on Sunday evening. The case has been classified as a homicide and suicide. 

What You Need To Know

  • Three people were found dead in a Middleton home with a fourth person shot Sunday evening

  • A 34-year-old mother shot her two children and their father before taking her own life

  • Officers tended to the adult male victim and he was transported to a nearby hospital. As of Wednesday morning, he was still in the hospital 

Shortly after 7:40 p.m. on Feb. 18, a 34-year-old female shot members of her family with a handgun, according to the Middleton Police Department. 

A 31-year-old male was shot multiple times but was able to exit the residence. 

The woman shot and killed an 8-year-old female and a 5-year-old male, according to police. The shooter, also the mother of the two children, then "turned the gun on herself and ended her own life," police said. 

The adult male was the father of the two children who were killed. 

According to police, officers were in the area for an unrelated property check complaint when the adult male victim ran out with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers tended to the victim, and he was transported to a nearby hospital. As of  Wednesday morning, he was still in the hospital, but was no longer in intensive care police said.

The Tactical Response Team from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene Sunday night and when they entered the residence, they found the three deceased family members. 

"Domestic violence has no place in our community. The Middleton Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating domestic violence incidents and enforcing the law to the fullest extent. We are available by dialing 911 for emergency situations, and at 608-824-7300 for non-emergencies," Middleton Police Captain Tyler Loether said in a statement. 

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District has confirmed the two child victims were students at Sauk Trail Elementary. The names of the family members have not been released to the public. 

"We are heartbroken by this information and understand that this will affect our District community in many different ways," the school district said in a statement. "During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to the impacted family, students, and staff who were close to the victims. Their loss is immeasurable. Our District is available to provide any support needed."