LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — On Christmas day, five people were found shot to death inside a home in Atkins. Officials confirmed on Monday that it was a murder-suicide, according to a news release from the Pope County Sheriff's Office.

"Through evidence collected at the scene, and with confirmation by the Medical Examiner at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, it has been determined that this was a murder/suicide," the statement says.

Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones released the names and ages of those found in the home: Danielle Collins, 7, Levenah Countryman, 10, Abigail Heflin, 12, Jaquita Chase 31 and Patricia Patrick, 61.

“While all loss of life is heartbreaking, this situation has been particularly tragic,” Jones said in a statement. “Anytime children are senselessly taken from those who love them, the pain is beyond compare. When you add to that the loss of the adults involved, the pain is unfathomable.

"There are so many family members and friends who are hurting, dismayed and in shock over the events of this past Christmas Day. We need to keep them in our prayers, as they will need many in the days ahead, and continue to reach out to them to offer any assistance possible.”

Police say the investigation is still ongoing.