BELL, Fla. — The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a man shot his daughter and her six children before taking his own life at a home in Bell, Florida.
The victims range in age from 2 months to 11 years old.
Authorities identified the gunman as Don Charles Spirit. Family members confirmed to Action News the mother killed in the shooting was Sarah Spirit; Sheriff Robert Schultz later confirmed Sarah Spirit's identity.
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The six child victims were identified as follows by Schultz:
- Kylie Kuhlmann, 9 years old
- Kaleb Kuhlmann, 11 years old
- Johnathon Kuhlmann, 8 years old
- Destiny Stewart, 5 years old
- Alanna Stewart, 2 1/2 months old
- Brandon Stewart, 4 years old
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Investigators said deputies received a call about the shooting incident at the man's home on NW 30th Street and NW 29th Terrace around 4 p.m.
The sheriff said a responding deputy made contact with Don Spirit, who then committed suicide. Action News has learned that Don Spirit served prison time for shooting his son in 2001, though that shooting was ruled accidental.
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The deputy searched the home and found multiple shooting victims dead inside.
"We’re asking for prayers for this community and the families involved," said Schultz.
Schultz said the person who called 911 made threats to his family and himself.
The sheriff said the Gilchrist County School District is aware of the situation and will take care of the classmates of the slain children Friday.
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