Police: Herndon Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide

The family of four found dead Tuesday inside a home on Point Rider Lane in Herndon was killed in a murder suicide, police said Wednesday.

A Fairfax County Police Department investigation revealed Albert Peterson, 57, killed his wife, Kathleen Peterson, 52, and their children, Matthew, 16, and Christopher, 13, before taking his own life.

The Virginia Office of the Medical Examiner determined the cause of death for each of the four family members was gunshot wounds to the upper body, according to police.

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Yesterday neighbors gathered throughout the neighborhood as police and press descended on the property after the initial report. A coworker of one of the adults called the police to ask for a welfare check after they hadn't been to work in two days. 

Police breached the home at about noon on Tuesday and found the bodies. 

A candlelight vigil will be held for the family tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Floris United Methodist Church. 

See other related stories:

• Police Investigate Family's Death As Suspicious
• Family Found Dead in Herndon Home 
• Photos: Police, Neighbors Gather Outside Herndon Home 
• Church to Hold Vigil for Herndon Family

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