PREBLE COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) – Police are investigating after three people, including two children, were found dead in Preble County on Monday.

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office said officers went to a home in the 9200 block of Greenbush Road at 10:37 a.m. Police were called to the house for a welfare check on two children, according to Preble County Sheriff Michael Simpson.

According to Sheriff Simpson, officers forcibly entered the home after cell phone tower pings showed the children and their father were more than likely at the home. Upon entry, Caleb Elliott, 13, and Grace Elliott, 10, as well as their father, Shane Elliot, 40, were found dead in the living room with apparent gunshot wounds.

Sheriff Simpson said they are investigating this incident as a murder-suicide, and don’t believe anyone else to be involved at this time. “Everybody kinda knows everybody. Almost all of Preble County is that way. Everybody knows everyone. Anytime that you have a tragedy like this where it involves children, it hits home for everyone,” said Sheriff Simpson.

Preble Shawnee Local District Superintendent Todd Bowling sent a letter to parents about the death of two students, a fourth-grader and a seventh-grader, after a “tragic event.” Sheriff Simpson confirmed that the students are the ones found dead in the home. Grief counselors will be available for students throughout the day, according to the letter.

Bowling said, “This is a very difficult time for everyone. However, we will support each other and work together to support our students.”

Sheriff Simpson says the incident remains under investigation.

2 NEWS will update this breaking news story as we learn more information.