Maryland Mom and Her 3 Kids Killed in Their Home Days after Mourning Her Youngest Son's 2019 Death

Life isn't always fair, and sometimes people face blow after blow. One family from Maryland had walked through a painful season, never imagining that an even worse tragedy was on the way.

Many families may appear to have it all together, but behind closed doors, it might be a whole other story. After a couple lost a loved one, they tried their best to keep going.

They smiled and attended their local church, but someone in their household was struggling. Read their heartbreaking story that displays the importance of checking on friends and family.

They Were a Happy Family

Tara Devina Ricker Milligan, 37, and her husband Marcus Edward Milligan, 39, were a happy family, and they adored their three kids, Teresa, Nora, and Finn. They were thrilled when Tara welcomed another little one named Conor.

The traumatic ordeal rocked the suburban Elk Mills neighborhood, with many people left asking the dreaded question "why."

Tara's love for her kids was undeniable in every post she shared online, always gushing about their sweetness. "Love these three big kids of mine. Finn was so cute today in his black clothes," read a post shared in 2017.

The Family Faced Tough Times

The family of six received shocking news when baby Conor was diagnosed with childhood cancer. He passed away in 2019, leaving the parents shattered. The challenges led the family to lean on their faith more, and friend Alisha Minter shared:

"The light they and their children brought in, you immediately fell in love with them. Watching them from the church pews, smiling and laughing. Having lunch dates with [them] was a highlight of our day."

The Shocking News

On September 4, 2022, Tara shared a heartbreaking post about her little boy who gained his wings too soon. She said: "What wouldn't I give for another perfect moment like this one, even if just for a heartbeat."

Little did she know, she would see him again sooner than imagined. Nobody expected the shocking news that surfaced in September 2022, exactly three years and one week since Conor's passing.

A Reason to Check on Loved Ones

Police received a call from a man reporting the deaths of three kids and a woman. They did not state who the man was. Eventually, authorities revealed that the entire Milligan family had been killed.

They shared that it was an apparent "murder-suicide" committed by the dad. Family members shared their pain and disbelief online, with many commenting on the father's mental health. Minter wrote:

"We need to do better about checking on one another and making sure they are OK. Mental illness is a debilitating disease that affects an entire family."

They Were Shattered

Police revealed that everyone had already passed away when they arrived on the scene. The traumatic ordeal rocked the suburban Elk Mills neighborhood, with many people left asking the dreaded question: "Why?"

While an investigation into the tragic incident's circumstances is still underway, one thing is certain—the loss affects many people. On Facebook, Tara's devastated sister, Aislinn Ricker Mellor, expressed:

"Our hearts are shattered."

The Family Was Together Again

The silver lining found in many online posts was the heavenly reunion between the family and baby Conor.

Mellor said that while everyone ached because of the profound and shocking loss, they held onto the belief that the family was together again. She added:

"While we ache for them here on Earth, we know they are at peace and with our Savior."

Friend Minter wished the family's story had a different ending because none of them deserved what happened. Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams also commented on the ordeal, calling it a "terrible and tragic day for [the] community."

The Online Response

Tributes poured in for the Milligan family, with many netizens offering condolences and prayers to the loved ones and those left behind:

"You are all together again now. God has you. Amen."

- (Erica Kim Hawkins) September 11, 2022

"I hope that she is holding her baby again. Such a tragedy. I'm sure they have been wrapped in grief for the last 3 years. I hope they are all made new again."

- (Mandy Katz) September 11, 2022

"How very sad, sending prayers for both families. My heart breaks for them all, and sending hugs to you. I am sitting here in tears. I am so sorry."

- (Denise Stevens) September 11, 2022

"What a shock to everyone. This is so so sad. It's so difficult to understand. We never really know what other people are thinking or dealing with. Just sad for everyone."

- (Janet Kirkendall-Minter) September 12, 2022

We send our deepest sympathies to the friends and loved ones of the Milligan family. May they find comfort and peace.

Click here for a story about a mother and her three precious kids. Their experience displays life's true fragility and will encourage you to cherish those closest to you.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org