A man allegedly murdered two of his girlfriend’s young children – with her third in a coma.
Kevin Moore, 27, was arrested by the Toledo Police Department in Ohio, the US, and charged with two counts of aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault after the shooting on Friday, February 5.
According to a report by WTOL, Ahmir Phillips, 5, and Gabriel Phillips, 1, were tragically pronounced dead in the hospital on Saturday, February 6.
Four-year-old Ashtan Phillips underwent surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.
The child was still in critical condition on Saturday when authorities said he “continues to fight for life”.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Ahmir and Gabriel died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting took place during a domestic dispute, CrimeOnline reports.
According to neighbours who spoke to WTOL, multiple gunshots were heard.
One neighbour said they heard a man screaming amid the shots.
Another said she saw a man shooting a gun into the air.
The children’s biological father Jaquail Phillips, 29, says he and his ex-wife, Crystal Phillips, have been separated for more than a year.
Mr Phillips told The Toledo Blade she began dating Moore in September.
A protection order filed against Mr Phillips several months ago is keeping him from being by Ashton’s bedside.
He said: “I keep it together because I know my kids need me.
“I try not to cry in front of them, so I wait until they’re sleeping or I’m out driving.”
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz addressed Friday’s shooting in a statement to The Toldeo Blade on Saturday.
“If you have children of your own, give them an extra hug today,” the mayor wrote.
“Last night’s shooting is another reminder that, as a society, we haven’t done nearly enough to prevent domestic violence and the pain it causes.”