Paxton Reece Edwards was a 3-year-old White/Caucasian boy living with his family in the Prices Corner area of Wilmington, Delaware. He was described as quiet and gentle, liking toy trucks, PJ Masks and time close to his mother. On July 9, 2018, Paxton was inside the family’s home in the 2700 block of Ferris Road with his mother Julie Burton Edwards, his brother Jacob and his sister Brinley.

Shortly before 8 p.m. Delaware State Police troopers entered the residence and found five people on the second floor suffering gunshot wounds: Paxton, Julie, six-year-old Jacob, four-year-old Brinley, and Paxton’s father, Matthew Edwards. Autopsies confirmed all deaths resulted from gunfire, and investigators concluded Matthew Edwards shot his wife and all three children before killing himself. Authorities did not identify any other assailant or evidence of outside involvement. Neighbors and friends recalled the family as close and described recent household strain, including reports Matthew had lost his job and had marital problems, but police did not publicly establish a definitive motive.

If anyone knew Paxton or the family and can add memories or information about the household in the months before July 2018, please share what you know.