Seven people and a dog were found dead in an Alabama home that was set on fire, authorities said.
Morgan County deputies responding to a call of a shooting at a home in Valhermoso Springs discovered the bodies after putting out the blaze, sheriff’s officials told WAAY.
“It’s a horrific scene and to be able to process it will take some time,” Morgan County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Mike Swafford told the station. “We don’t have a determined suspect at this time.”
Deputies have responded to the home several times, as recently as last week, Swafford said. No additional details were provided.
“This doesn’t happen in Morgan County,” Swafford said. “We had a triple homicide two weeks ago and I think that’s the first anyone can remember in 20-plus years, so to have seven is substantial.”
The victims, who were not immediately identified, were four males and three females, all of whom were shot. A dog was also found dead from a gunshot wound, investigators told the station.
The incident is one of the worst mass homicides in recent state history, AL.com reports.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force is assisting in an ongoing investigation, Morgan County sheriff’s officials said in a statement late Thursday.
“The scene is secure and no immediate threat to the public in the area,” the statement read. “No suspect in custody.”
No survivors were found inside the home, but neighbors spoke to deputies who are working to find leads in the investigation, Swafford told WAFF.
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