4 Young Children Unharmed In Apparent Lakeland Murder-Suicide

LAKELAND, FL — Four young children were unharmed following an apparent murder-suicide involving three adults Christmas Eve in a Lakeland home.

Lakeland police identified 30-year-old Leighton Josephs as the apparent gunman. He and two other people were found shot to death around 5:30 p.m. inside the Atlanta Avenue home, according to police.

"It is believed that after shooting the two victims, Josephs then committed suicide," Lakeland police said. "The female victim was 30 years old, and the male victim, 27 years old."

Police said Josephs knew both of the victims, but their relationship was not immediately disclosed.

Josephs and the victims were declared dead at the scene. Police said Josephs was armed with a handgun during the attack.

"Inside the home, officers found four children, all under the age of 10 years old," Lakeland police said late Christmas night. "The children were not injured and were safely removed from the residence. Officers immediately began working to make arrangements for the safe care of the children."

Police said they would not release the names of the children or the two victims under state privacy laws.

"Our agency has received a number of inquiries from the community requesting to make donations for the children," Lakeland police said. "Detectives will be working with the families to establish a means for the community to assist the children in the coming days."

To report a tip, send an email to Detective Laura Dunn via Laura.Dunn@lakelandgov.net or call 863-834-6974.