Police: Idaho father shot, killed 3 kids before turning gun on himself


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PRESTON, Idaho — Police say a father shot three of his children while they were sleeping and then turned the gun on himself.

Preston Police Chief Ken Geddes identified the victims as Corbin Hillaker, 15, Jessica Spillett, 6, and McCoy Spillett, 7.

Geddes told EastIdahoNews.com the children were all shot while asleep in their beds by Tate Spillett, 37, who was the father of Jessica and McCoy, and the stepfather of Corbin. Tate was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officers were called to the Spillett home on 200 South shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday when they discovered the four bodies. Spillett used a semi-automatic rifle to kill the children and himself, according to police.

Jill Parrish, a friend of the family, told KSL News she was stunned to learn of the deaths.

"I mean, honestly, what can you say? It's beyond heartbreaking," Parrish said. "This is the hardest process I have ever had to try to comprehend."

Spillett was in the process of getting a divorce with the children’s mother, who was living in Illinois, Geddes said. She has returned to Preston

"I just want everybody to know that she does appreciate all the prayers," Parrish said.

Two fundraising accounts* have been set up for the surviving family members to pay for funeral and other expenses. Funeral details have not been announced.

Resources for victims of domestic violence

  • The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition has a statewide, 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
  • The Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect the family with community resources. Their goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe," according to their website. Visitdcfs.utah.gov/questions/or call 1-800-323-DCFS (3237) for resources or to report child abuse or neglect.
  • The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.

#dv_info

Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

#suicide_info

Contributing: Andrew Adams


*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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