Community of Platte Struggling After Six Found Dead in Murder Suicide

People in Platte, South Dakota are dealing with mixed emotions after learning that the death of a family of six was a murder-suicide.

Authorities believe Scott Westerhuis fatally shot his wife and four children with a shotgun last Thursday, set their rural house on fire, then turned the weapon on himself.

Hardware store owner Ken Lieuwen says “there’s anger at Scott, and disbelief that the family is gone.”

Tami Smit who works at a coffee and wine shop says children in the community will need help dealing with the shock.