Man Kills 3-Year-Old Daughter, Self in Charles County Park

A man shot and killed his 3-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself at a park in La Plata, Maryland, the Charles County Sheriff's Office says. 

Investigators say 33-year-old Brian Duncan Davis had a court-ordered visit with his daughter, Maddie Sabre Davis, on Sunday. He was supposed to bring the toddler back home at 6:30 p.m., but the two never arrived. 

After trying to contact Brian Davis, family members began searching for them.

"In this case, it was unusual that he did not return, it was unusual that he didn't pick up his phone and I think they just became alarmed," said Charles County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Diane Richardson.

The family found Davis' truck at the park and called police. Deputies arrived about 7:35 p.m. Inside the truck, deputies found the bodies of the father and daughter. 

Investigators say Davis shot and killed his daughter before shooting himself. 

A handgun was recovered inside the truck, authorities say. 

As the investigation continues, Charles County officials say they will be looking into what events led up to the father and daughter's deaths and if they could have been prevented.

The county has a domestic violence fatality review committee, said Executive Director of Charles County's Center for Abused Persons Annette Gilbert-Jackson.

The goal is to not only examine what happened in this case, but if what happened Sunday could help prevent future tragedy.

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘Home’ to 741741.

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