SACO — A candlelight vigil has been held for a Maine family killed in an apparent murder-suicide.

People gathered Tuesday night outside a Saco apartment building, where the family lived.

Investigators said Joel Smith killed his wife and three children with a shotgun Saturday night, and then killed himself. Smith reportedly had financial problems.

Authorities said 35-year-old Heather Smith was shot along with the couple’s 4-year-old daughter, Lily, in the parents’ bed. Joel Smith’s body was found on the floor nearby, the shotgun by his side.

Twelve-year-old Jason Montez and 7-year-old Noah Montez were found dead in their separate bedrooms.

Mourners released balloons into the air Tuesday night with messages from other children.

Heather Nason babysat the children and told WMTW-TV that she’s “going to miss them greatly.”


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