Father murdered wife and daughters before killing himself
Four members of the same family were found dead at their Bradford home earlier this week after the father murdered his wife and teenage children before hanging himself.
The bodies of 49-year-old Jitendra Lad, along with his wife, Duksha Lad, 44, and their daughters, Trisha, 19, and Nisha, 16, were all found at their home on Blackberry Way, Clayton, shortly after 8.30pm on Monday.
It is believed that they may have been in the home for ‘some time’ before a concerned neighbour made the discovery and detectives began a murder investigation.
It has now been confirmed that Mr Lad murdered his family before hanging himself with any motive still yet unclear. West Yorkshire Police have also confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said it is a distressing time for friends and family but ensured the shocked neighbourhood that a full investigation was underway.
He said: “I have spoken to the family members this evening (wednesday) and updated them on the results of the post mortem examinations.
“They are continuing to come to terms with what took place at Blackberry Way, which has robbed a family of two generations, and specially trained officers are supporting them at this very difficult time.
“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances leading to the incident and we will not be drawn on speculation while our investigation is ongoing.
“I would reiterate that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the area to offer reassurance to local people.”
Superintendent Damien Miller, who leads neighbourhood policing across the Bradford District, added: “Clayton is a close-knit community and I understand that local people will be understandably upset by what has taken place and I would like to reassure people there is no wider danger to members of the public.
“Additional neighbourhood officers are in the area speaking to people and offering reassurance.”
Flowers and tributes have been laid outside the family home whilst the investigation continues with the community ‘stunned’ at what has happened.
Mr and Mrs Lad had been married for 23 years and both worked for Bradford Council in the benefits and revenue department and administration.
Youngest daughter, Nisha, was studying her A-Levels at Thornton Grammar School and Trisha was in the second year of a biochemistry degree at the University of Leeds.
Chris Sampson, Nisha’s head teacher, released a statement on behalf of the school to pass on their condolences.
He said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by these tragic deaths. Our thoughts are with the family’s relatives and friends. We will be helping the police with their inquiry in any way we can.”
Meanwhile, a University of Leeds spokesperson added: “This is dreadful and shocking news and our thoughts are with Trisha’s friends and loved ones. Staff are working with the university’s counselling and chaplaincy services to help students who are affected by this tragedy and we will do all we can to support them.”
