The family of seven people killed in a suspected murder-suicide in rural Western Australia are grappling with how the tragedy happened, as detectives and forensic experts embark on the third day of their investigation.
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Police believe Forever Dreaming Farm owners Peter and Cynda Miles, aged 61 and 58, are among the dead at the Osmington property, northeast of Margaret River.
The others are believed to be their 35-year-old daughter Katrina Miles and her four children - daughter Taye, 13, and sons Rylan, 12, Arye, 10, and Kadyn Cockman, eight.
All of the deceased, who are yet to be formally identified, were shot by firearms licensed to Mr Miles.
In a statement, family members said they were devastated.
"We are stunned and still trying to understand how this could happen," they said.
"We respectfully ask that the community refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident."
Others have remembered the deceased as "lovely people" who were "deeply connected" to their community.
Cynda ran her own business called Cynda's Soft Salvage, and her social media profile shows she loved op-shopping and sustainability, referring to herself as a "waste warrior".
"I love fabric and buttons and brown paper, and I really don't like waste, so here is my little business creating useful and pretty stuff to help you navigate life without plastic and a whole lot more," she wrote on Facebook.
Days before her death, Cynda posted about making boomerang bags and had also previously posted about Mother's Day.
Augusta-Margaret River shire president Pamela Townshend said Cynda "had a deep commitment to the environment and she'll be so sadly missed."
Katrina's Facebook page lists her employment as "parent of four beautiful children".
There are unconfirmed reports her children had autism.
According to a Gumtree advertisement posted on Wednesday, Mr Miles was looking for "vineyard and farm work" in the area.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said a two-minute emergency phone call was made at 5.15am on Friday from the property, and local police arrived shortly after 6am.
He said police knew whose phone the call was made from, but would not confirm whether it was Mr Miles.
Mr Dawson also clarified that only one body was found outside, while one woman was located inside the main house, and another woman and four children were discovered inside a converted shed.
The examination of the crime scene is expected to take several days.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Australian Associated Press
