Deputies Investigate Suspected Double Murder-Suicide In Delaware County: 'Shocking'

Delaware County deputies are investigating what they believe to be a double murder-suicide near Ketchum, where a woman and her two young children were found dead inside a car.

The victims have been identified as Alisia Pena, a Tulsa resident, and her five and seven-year-old children.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says the incident has shaken both investigators and the local community.

"I’ve seen the white car parked right here for quite some time," said Kyle Whittenburg, a nearby resident. "It’s kind of shocking to have something like this happen."

Deputies say they found Pena’s car on Highway 85 early Saturday morning. Undersheriff James Morgan said investigators are unsure why Pena was in the area.

"We haven’t found any contacts that she knows, or anybody that she knows from around this area, so we have no idea how she ended up being here in Delaware County," Morgan said.

Pena was reportedly near a convenience store around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, just two miles from where her car was later discovered. However, the store was closed, and no one was present.

Preliminary findings from the medical examiner indicate that all three died of gunshot wounds. Deputies believe Pena shot her children before turning the gun on herself. A firearm was recovered inside the vehicle.

"Anytime you have to deal with a child case, it’s rough on investigators, it’s rough on everybody, even the citizens," said Morgan. "When they hear these stories, it’s hard on them too."

Deputies and first responders involved in the investigation are scheduled to participate in a debrief session.

A small memorial now marks the stretch of Highway 85 where the tragedy unfolded, serving as a somber reminder for the tight-knit community.