Maine Police Say Deaths of Mom and Daughters Were Murder-Suicide

The Chief Medical Examiner says a Mechanic Falls mother killed her two young daughters and then took her own life.

Have Police Released the Victim's Identities?

The victims have been identified as Jennifer Barney, 37, and her two children. Harmony West was 11-years-old and her sister, Hope West, who would have turned 7 on July 27th, which was the day police found her body.

Police were called to the Highland Avenue home, for a report of a U-Haul truck that had been stolen. When officers arrived, they found the deceased in an apartment, along with some pets. All three were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm their identities and determine how they died.

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What Else Do We Know About Them?

Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss says one of the girls died of multiple stab wounds while the other died of multiple injuries. No further details were given on the types of injuries she suffered. Their deaths were ruled a homicide. The mother, Jennifer Barney, killed herself, but more testing is needed to determine her cause of death.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the girls' grandmother to help cover the expense of their final arrangements. Our sincerest condolences to their family and friends.

Does Maine Have Crisis Lines to Help People Considering Suicide?

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available by dialing 988. The service that was formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7, with access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health distress.

Maine also has a Crisis Line, which is available 24/7 at 1-888-568-1112. Anyone seeking mental health resources in their community can find them by calling 211.

We'll update this story as more details become available.