A community grieves, eight bodies found in Princess Anne

A father and his seven children were found dead Monday in Princess Anne. It was a startling discovery inside their home on the corner of Antioch and Beckford Avenues.

The father has been identified at 36- year-old Rodney Todd.

Malia Gary, a friend of deceased says, “When I walked outside I noticed something different. I just feel sad for it.”

Scott Keller, the Princess Anne Chief of Police says, “It’s extremely tragic. Not only is it tragic to the people that it happened to, and the family of the people it happened to, and the extended family of the people that it happened to, but it’s tragic to the citizens in the community, to the schools that these kids went to.”

Breion Harris, another friend of deceased says, “I feel like it was sad what happened because we used to like ride the bus together, and stand outside with me at Washington High in the mornings. Stuff like that.”

Authorities say around 11 a.m. Monday morning an employer came in to report a missing person who hadn’t shown up for work.

Police went out to the home to investigate, and say they didn’t see any activity at the house. However, the father’s car was in the driveway.

Investigators were able to obtain a key for the property and when they got inside they discovered the bodies.

Police Chief Keller continues, “It can be extremely traumatic to the police officers who go to the scene and find people in that condition, young children.”  

Authorities say there’s no sign of foul play. The cause of death is not clear. However, police did note that there was no power in the home. A generator was being used to run the electricity inside the house, putting carbon monoxide inhalation into question.

However, they’re waiting for the medical examiner to determine the exact cause of this tragedy.

Police say the mother of the children, who does not live in the area, has been contacted. They say the bodies will be examined Tuesday at the medical examiner’s office in Baltimore.