(Metamora, Ind.) - The shooting deaths of five people are being investigated in Franklin County.

On Sunday afternoon, a small child was found wandering on Stipps Hill Road, just off State Road 52 west of the town of Metamora.

Police came to investigate and found a dead body in a nearby home. In a neighboring home, an even more gruesome discovery was made where four people – two men and two women – were dead. A police press release indicated the deaths were caused by gunshots.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Jerry Goodin said at a Sunday night press conference there are many questions as the investigation develops.  

“We have no idea if we have a single shooter or if we have multiple shooters. We also do not know if the shooter, or shooters, is among the dead,” Gooding said, stopping short of saying the deaths were homicides.

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Residents in the area said police were telling them Sunday afternoon to be cautious and not answer the door. Police helicopters were seen searching the area from above as news of the deaths spread.

While the names of the victims are being circulated through the community, police have not identified the dead pending notification of family. Autopsies are scheduled for Monday in Indianapolis, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, with the possibility that the person responsible for the five deaths is at-large, residents will be on edge.

"They should be vigilant. They need to make sure they keep the doors locked. If they see any suspicious people, absolutely they should dial 911,” said Goodin.

Anyone with any information about the five deaths is asked to call Indiana State Police at (812) 689-5000 or (800) 566-6704.

LINKS:

Multiple Homicides Investigated In Franklin Co.