Ky. killings come 3 years after father's suicide

Ky. killings come 3 years after father's suicide
By BRETT BARROUQUERE Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press
Oct. 7, 2008, 3:11PM
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A mother who police said stabbed her daughters before shooting herself had raised the children as a single mother after her husband hanged himself three years ago.

Hope Orwick, 35, attacked daughters Emily, 9, and Lindsey, 8, then shot herself in the head, said Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Bob Jones. A relative found their bodies Monday evening. Police had not determined a motive for the killings Tuesday.

The killings confused many in the neighborhood who saw her with the girls every day. A counselor at the girls' school, Wendy Anderson, described Hope Orwick as a volunteer and "just the mom you want supporting the school," and Emily as "the type of student you want 24 of."

She said the school staff saw Hope Orwick on Thursday, the last day of classes before the family was found dead.

"There were no signs. There was nothing that even looked odd," she said. "Any single mom keeping children on their own can be a handful."

Lindsey had a rare chromosome disorder known as cri du chat syndrome, so called because it is characterized at birth by a high-pitched cry that sounds like a cat's. The syndrome can cause developmental disabilities and trouble eating and speaking.
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