WEST DES MOINES – The family that was found dead in a West Des Moines house this weekend all died by gunshot as three were murdered and one died of suicide, police say.
West Des Moines police continue their investigation into the Sunkara family deaths on June 15th. The family was discovered in a house in the 900 block of 65th Street. They now confirm the deaths of four people inside the home. Chandrasekhar Sunkara, 44 years old; Lavanya Sunkara, 41 years old; a 15 year old boy and a 10 year old boy were pronounced dead at the scene. All four lived in the home.
Forensic autopsies were conducted June 16th. The State Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the causes of death for all four family members to be gunshot wounds. The manners of death for Lavanya Sunkara and the two boys are homicide. The manner of death for Chandrasekhar Sunkara is suicide.
Officials are working with surviving family members to provide support. Investigators are continuing to review evidence and conduct interviews.
