Police: Five found dead in Franklin County were murdered

Police announced Tuesday that they have launched a murder investigation into the deaths of five Franklin County residents.

Five bodies were found at two neighboring houses on Stipps Hill Road near Laurel, Ind., Sunday afternoon.

Preliminary autopsies were completed Tuesday. According to the Franklin County Coroner, Angela A. Napier, 47, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and blunt force trauma to the head. Her son Jacob Napier, 18, daughter Melissa Napier, 23, and estranged husband Roy Napier, 50, suffered gunshot wounds to the head. All four were found dead in one home. Henry Smith, 43, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and blunt force trauma to the head and was found dead in a home across the street.

Melissa Napier's 4-year-old daughter was found wandering down the road and told police her family was dead Sunday afternoon.

State Police do not have a motive or suspect at this time, but vow to find the person(s) responsible.

"It doesn't matter where they're at," said Sgt. Jerry Goodin. "I can tell you this: Anywhere in the United States or anywhere in the world, we're going to be going after them."

In the meantime, residents are being told to be extra vigilant to keep their families safe, because there is a murderer on the loose. However, police could not say if the public is in immediate danger or if the victims were targeted.

"Make sure you lock your doors. Make sure that you lock your cars," said Goodin.

Multiple family members and neighborhood sources told Fox59 there was rampant drug use and dealing in the Napier home.  They said buyers would regularly come to the home from out of town. Goodin would not comment when asked if there were any drugs involved or found in either of the two homes.