In the early morning hours of February 2, 2021, a mass shooting in a Muskogee, Oklahoma home left 24-year-old Ja Varian KeyShawn Lee dead. The attack also killed five young children, Lee’s nieces and nephews, who ranged in age from one to nine years. The shooting occurred at about 1:30 a.m. when officers were called to the residence.

When officers arrived they encountered an armed man; after a brief foot pursuit the suspect was taken into custody. The mother of the deceased children was critically injured but survived, and three other children in the house were unharmed. Reports said the suspect was Lee’s brother and that he had a history of mental health issues. Several criminal counts were filed in connection with the shootings.

What information might help explain why this family home became the scene of such a devastating attack?