A woman and two children were found dead in a home shortly after the discovery of their gunned down neighbour in a nearby field.
The man, identified as David Cousin, 35, was found in an open field in Cleveland, Ohio, US, on Tuesday, sparking a police search of the area.
Officers smelled smoke coming from a nearby property and forced their way into the home, discovering a dead woman and two children inside.
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said officers are now searching for several 'persons of interest' in relation to the deaths, according to reports.
He told WEWS-TV : "This is something that shouldn’t happen in our city. This is a terrible tragedy. You know, there are a lot of families enjoying this weekend and families going through some things. So we need to help each other."
The police chief would not comment on the connection between Cousin and the three other victims.
Cleveland City Council member Tony Brancatelli added: "You can’t get any more horrific than when you have young children who get involved in a homicide like this.
"I think we have a long way to go on this investigation. Truly unfortunate and truly horrific."
Cousin’s landlord, Anthony Detillo, said his late tenant was a friendly and hard working person who was willing to help anyone.
Neighbours added that they heard gunshots before police arrived, telling local media they felt bad for not calling the emergency services.
