Three children killed; mother’s husband in custody for their murders: Police

On Wednesday night, three children were found dead inside a California apartment, and a man married to the victims’ mother is now in custody for their murders.

KCRA reports that authorities arrested Robert Hodges, 33, after his wife’s three children, ages 11, 9, and 7 months old, were found dead inside an apartment at the Timbers Apartments on Touchstone Place in West Sacramento. California Highway Patrol officers arrested the suspect at around midnight off of Interstate 80 and West El Camino Avenue. Authorities took him into custody without incident.

Authorities initially responded to a 911 call at around 9:30 p.m. to the apartment about a domestic violence dispute. While en route, police received another call that three children inside the home may have been killed. First responders were then dispatched to the home, and although they attempted life-savings measures on the children, it was too late.

So far, authorities have not released how the children were killed and it’s still unclear if the suspect was the father of the kids. The Sacramento Bee reports that the mother was home during the incident and was a victim of domestic violence. The suspect fled the apartment shortly before the police arrived.

Sacramento Police spokesman Sgt. Roger Kinney said that the incident was a traumatic experience for the authorities that arrived at the scene and found three young children dead.

“It’s been pretty impactful for all of us. It’s gut wrenching for the officers and firefighter who responded to the call.”

Hodges was taken to the Yolo County Jail. He’s charged with three counts of murder and felony domestic violence.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Google Maps/June 2015]