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Four people, including a teenage girl, were found dead inside a home in Orange, Texas, on New Year’s Day in what cops believe was a triple murder suicide.
The deceased were later identified as:
Janiya Lewis, 17, of Orange
Porsha Kiel, 34, of Orange
Bobby Kiel, 53, of Orange
Lester Lewis, 33, of San Augustine
Officers found the four individuals dead inside the home from apparent gunshot wounds.
What we know
On Jan. 1, 2024 at 7:50 a.m., officers with the Orange Police Department were sent to the 2400 block of North 8th St. in reference to a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found four people dead inside the home from gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Orange Police Department.
The deaths are being investigated as homicides according to police, who say that there is currently no danger to the public as this is an isolated incident.
Sergeant Isaac T. Henry III with the Orange Police Department tells 12News they believe the gunman is one of the four dead.
It wasn’t until around 12 p.m. when police obtained a search warrant to enter the home and begin the investigation.
The relationship between victims has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
“First thing we want to send is our condolences to the family on New Years. So it’s just a tough way to start off the New Year and anytime you have an investigation to this magnitude, it’s tough for the community, it’s tough for the family, it’s tough for officers,” Capt. Jonathan Baggett said.
While the investigation was underway, friends and family gathered behind the yellow crime scene tape.
Neighbors tell 12News alongside with the family, they’re hurting.
Chris Enard lives across the street.
“I don’t have words right now,” Enard said. “I came off of work about 2′ o clock in the morning and cop knocked on my door. He was like did you hear any gunshots at like 8′ o clock in the morning. I was like yeah I’ve been hearing fire crackers and stuff go off.”
He’s known the Kiel family for over 20 years.
“About 9′ o clock I saw the yellow tape and I was like man what the hell happened,” he said. “Bobby goes to work everyday, he works hard always kept his year straight. I just thought everything was good. They barbecue on Sundays with the family.”
