VANCEBORO — The Craven County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a family of five after a Vanceboro father apparently shot his wife, three children and the family dog before turning the gun on himself.

Deputies discovered the bodies Friday in response to a welfare call at 107 Kinsaw Court in Vanceboro. A relative said she had been unable to contact the family since Wednesday evening.

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes identified the dead as Michael Jason Ireland, 39, his wife, April Nicole Ireland, 26, Michael Ireland, 4, Bryson Ireland, 3, and Caroline Ireland, 8 months.

“Based upon the investigation conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from our office, and the evidence at the scene, it appears that some time between Wednesday evening, Jan. 22, and Friday Morning, Jan. 24, Michael Jason Ireland killed his wife, three children and family dog and then committed suicide with a handgun,” Hughes said during a press conference.

Hughes said the father, Michael Jason Ireland, was found in the master bedroom of the home, with a revolver beside his body. The bodies of April Ireland, Michael Ireland, Bryson Ireland and Caroline Ireland were all found in the living room, each with a single gunshot wound. Hughes said there was no sign of struggle.

“To my knowledge, Craven County has never experienced such a senseless loss of innocent lives in modern times,” Hughes concluded. “Officers with over 40 years of experience have described this as one of the most horrific crime scenes of their careers.”

As a result, Hughes said his office initiated a counseling protocol to provide support for all of the first responders on scene. Likewise, Hughes said his heart is with the family and all those who have been affected by the tragedy.

“We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the surviving families for their loss, and ask that everyone keep these innocent victims and families in their prayers,” Hughes concluded.