Father Who Shot, Killed Son Before Fatally Shooting Himself Identified: Warwick Police

WARWICK, RI — Warwick police identified the man they said shot his and killed his 4-year-old son on Thursday before fatally shooting himself.

Just before 8:30 a.m., police were called to a home on Frawley Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. Before officers arrived, police said they learned a child had been shot and the shooter was still inside the home armed with a gun.

As officers arrived on scene, they learned additional information from the shooter's wife. Police said they learned Seamus Dempsey, 33, of Warwick shot his son, Liam Dempsey, with a handgun. Dempsey's wife also told police her 79-year-old mother-in-law was still in the home. Officers on-scene were able to communicate with her and help her escape the home unharmed.

When officers entered the home, they found the child's body, as well as Seamus Dempsey, who was also dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

"While detectives continue to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to this horrific crime, the members of the Warwick Police Department continue to send our deepest condolences to the family members affected by this senseless and unimaginable act as well as the countless others in our community who have been impacted," Police Chief Bradford Connor said "As a community, we are saddened by the events that occurred yesterday."

As more information becomes available, police said updates will be provided.

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