In a tragic incident in Muckendorf-Wipfing, a small community in the Tulln district of Lower Austria, a 29-year-old mother and her two daughters, aged five and eight, were found dead in their home.

The mother, who was a licensed hunter, was discovered with a gunshot wound, while the children died from asphyxiation, according to the autopsy results.

Authorities suspect an extended suicide, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The father, a police officer, discovered the bodies after being alerted by a concerned acquaintance.

A handgun was found at the scene, which the mother legally owned.

The community is in shock as police continue to piece together the events leading to this tragedy.