Three die in Darwin family tragedy

22 May 2012, 7:32 pm   -   Source: AAP

A man in Darwin is suspected of killing his stepdaughter and his son, before taking his own life.

The quiet Darwin suburb of Leanyer is in shock after a father killed his two young children before taking his own life.

The three dead were found at a house by police on Tuesday morning and included an eight-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man.

The name of the dead man is believed to be Michael Chisholm, who is the father of the young boy, Julian Chisholm, and the stepfather of the girl, Aaliyah Webb.

It is understood the bodies were found about 8am (CST) on Tuesday after police responded to a call from someone concerned at the children's welfare.

Police made the grisly find during a search of the home.

"While thorough investigations are continuing, police believe the incident is a murder-suicide," Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Bradley Currie said.

A spokesman for the NT Department of Education and Training said grief counsellors would be sent to the school the eight-year-old attended to help other pupils cope with the loss.

Joeanne Landayto, who lived just a few houses from where the bodies were discovered, said she was sad about the incident.

"Whatever that guy's reason, he shouldn't murder his kids," Ms Landayto said.

"It is heartbreaking and so sad."

Another nearby resident, Judy Kennedy, said she was concerned about the murders so close to her house.

"I keep myself a bit locked in these days," Ms Kennedy said.

There were no gunshot or stab wounds on the bodies and police are yet to determine how they died.

It is understood the next of kin have been told of the deaths, as have parents of the schoolchildren who knew the victims.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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