COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says a Winfield couple premeditated the murder of their four children before killing themselves earlier this week.
“As the investigation progresses, KBI agents do not believe an argument or physical altercation preceded the homicides on the morning of Aug. 11,” the KBI said in a statement. “Instead, evidence indicates Ronald Williams Sr., 53, and Kelly L. George, 44, jointly shared culpability for premeditated plans to kill their children and then themselves.”
Rubi Paz, who lives in Winfield and was working near the home when the shooting happened, says the latest news is heartbreaking.
"I think the value of a child is just immeasurable and so it's just kind of confusing to think of what someone would think beforehand and so it was really disappointing to see that," Paz said.
According to the KBI, it was reported that Williams and George displayed erratic behavior leading up to the shootings, including a pattern of making nonsensical statements to law enforcement, neighbors, and others in the community.
On Tuesday, Next-door Neighbor Lisa Spoon said it was common for both Williams Sr. and George to be confrontational and told reporters she believed George was "just as crazy" as Williams Sr.
"She told me that my mother had stolen $4,000 dollars from her sister or something like that and had stolen her identity and I said, 'My mother is 94 and on hospice and can't walk, so I think you're not being very truthful,' but she kept at it," Spoon said. "Very erratic behavior. Lots of confrontations that were bizarre. Really strange, strange behaviors."
During the investigation, documentation was found indicating George had purchased a Taurus 38 Special revolver in February of 2025. The same firearm was found at the scene.
"Obviously it's not anything great that you want to hear," Paz said. "There was so much blame on one person, and now we have to think about another person."
This new information has led to many questions about what the children's lives might've been like, but Sage Cook is one person in the community who says the loss of life is sad regardless of who may be to blame.
"They all had to go through this, and mental health or not, like they were scared," Cook said. "I think for the community, we just want more answers. "
At this time, no evidence suggests anyone in addition to Williams and George was responsible for the shooting, the KBI said.
The investigation remains ongoing. When the case concludes, findings will be presented to the Cowley County Attorney.