A quiet stretch of Blacksnake Road near Hot Springs National Park became the scene of a family slaughter discovered on April 8, 2014. Judy Denise Ritter, 50, was found dead at the family home alongside her husband, David, 49, and their son Jonathan, 23. Deputies responded after neighbors raised concerns when the family had not been seen or heard from since April 5.

Investigators concluded that Jonathan had fatally shot both parents before his own death. Judy had been a homemaker and had shared a long marriage with David, a U.S. Navy veteran and master mechanic. The motive was not determined, and authorities did not identify any other suspects as the inquiry closed.

Neighbors and relatives were left grappling with how the family’s life ended so abruptly and violently. If anyone knew the Ritters or has information about the days before April 5, please come forward.