A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck a Kansas City community after two young children were found fatally shot inside a burning home.
Jeffrey Hatcher, 8, and his 6-year-old sister Charlotte were discovered dead on January 2, 2025, in what authorities are now confirming to be a murder-suicide.
The tragic events unfolded on Northwest 91st Terrace when police responded to a welfare check at the Hatcher family’s home.
Upon arrival, they saw smoke billowing from the residence and, after firefighters extinguished the blaze, the devastating discovery was made.
The children’s father, 38-year-old Zachary Hatcher, was found dead from a gunshot wound. Investigations revealed he had shot both Jeffrey and Charlotte before turning the weapon on himself.
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Charlotte and Zachary were declared dead at the scene, while Jeffrey was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The children were students at Pathfinder Elementary School in the Platte County R-3 District, where Jeffrey was remembered as a passionate reader and “Keeper of Odd Knowledge” by his peers. Charlotte is remembered for her infectious joy and enthusiasm.
A GoFundMe page set up to support funeral expenses described the siblings as shining lights in the lives of those who knew them, adding that words cannot express the pain and sorrow their family is now enduring.
The community has rallied around the family, offering their condolences and support in the wake of this unfathomable loss.