CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. -- Barbara Washington's three grandchildren loved seashells.
"They would put it up to their little ear," Washington said.
The shells, along with Washington's memories, are all that remain of the three girls, Olivia, Onya, and Onesha.
The Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins said all three were shot and killed by their dad, Clarence Washington Jr., who also killed his wife Shauna Washington before turning the gun on himself.
“There’s been a domestic situation between the husband and wife,” Sheriff Jenkins said.
"Something must have been ongoing, and he just reached the point where he snapped I guess," said Clarence's mom, Barbara.
She joined other family members, like Danny Skinner, at the family's house Monday afternoon.
"The crazy thing is I've never even seen them have a problem," Skinner said.
All brought tokens of love before going inside the home where their loved ones were killed.
According to Skinner they were killed in each of their beds.
"It just doesn't make sense," Skinner said.
Clarence's mom said she was also in the dark about any possible problems between the couple, or with her son.
"He seemed to always be on cruise control, but sometimes they can hide it in public," Washington said.
Still she said her sons actions leave her heartbroken.
"I find it appalling, despicable," Washington said.
She hopes the family's tragedy can be used to save another family from the clutches of domestic violence.
"I hope the community wakes up, learns to be loving, people get their family life in order so this doesn't happen again," Washington said.
