Bethany Police investigate murder-suicide; 'a shock to everyone,' police chief says

Additional details surrounding an apparent murder-suicide in Bethany are being released by investigators, the Bethany Police Department says.

According to Bethany Police, officers discovered the bodies of Billy and Elizabeth Feaster, ages 29 and 6, respectively, behind the family’s home near North Rockwell Avenue and Route 66. 

Police say Billy shot and killed his daughter, then himself. Both were dead by the time police arrived.

Investigators say family members had been sleeping in the home at the time of the shootings. After being woken up by the sound of the shooting, they discovered the bodies and called 911. 

"Anytime a young child is involved in a case like this, it is a shock to everyone," Bethany Police Chief J.D. Reid said. "You can’t explain it, there’s no way to explain something like this. Trying to make sense of it ... It's where we are, trying to make sense of it."

Bethany Police say they are still investigating, but are unsure if they will ever determine what led to the tragic shooting. 

"I would encourage families to reach out to police if they have concerns," Reid said. "Reach out, say something in hopes we can prevent something tragic like this [from] happening."

Police said their prayers are with the family. Neighbors said the family had always been neighborly and kind. 

Police said during previous calls to the home, they had made contact with Billy Feaster. 

An Oklahoma City Police wellness unit is helping the child’s mother and the officers who first responded to the scene, Bethany Police say.

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Authorities confirm a response to a possible murder-suicide near Northwest 42nd Street Sunday morning.

At around 11:16 a.m., police got a call reporting on the incident and sent a team in response. Bethany Police say they found 2 dead bodies in the backyard, which prompted the arrival of the Medical Examiner.

This is an active investigation, and authorities urge people to avoid the area until further notice.