Police slay suspect after shooting that killed couple, son

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man shot and killed a couple and their 7-year-old son, and wounded their 12-year-old daughter, in their Columbus, Ohio, home Monday, police said, before being fatally shot by police responding to the scene.

The suspect was shot by three officers after a short chase outside the home where the shootings happened, Columbus police Sgt. Rich Weiner said.

It was unclear what led to the shooting.

“I don’t know if this was a home invasion, if he was let into the house, if they knew the suspect,” Weiner said, speaking up the street from where numerous police cars sat, lights flashing. “That’s all of the questions that the investigator is going to be asking.”

Suspect Barry Kirk, 50, was taken to nearby Mount Carmel West Hospital where he died hours later. The 12-year-old was taken to Columbus Children’s Hospital where her condition was unknown.

Police who responded shortly after 5 p.m. to a report of a shooting saw Kirk, and shot him after a foot chase, Weiner said. A weapon was found near the suspect, he added.

Police didn’t discover the family until after Kirk was shot and they entered the home.

The victims were identified as John Anderson II, 31; Christina Anderson, 30; and their son, Landon Anderson, 7. Weiner didn’t give the name of the girl.

A fifth person was taken from the house uninjured.

A man who described himself as a family friend said Anderson had lived in the neighborhood about 10 years and was a hard worker who just started a pavement sealing business. Anderson was friendly and always willing to help people, said Jeff Drown.

“He’s just a good kid,” said Drown, 51. “He don’t get into trouble. He don’t bother nobody. He just raised his family. And now he’s gone.”