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Eight people killed in mass shooting in Northern Florida

Gilchrist County, Fla., sheriff's investigators say a man shot and killed seven people -- including six children -- before killing himself.

By Heather Records

BELL, Fla., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Deputies in Gilchrist County, Fla., said eight people -- including six children -- were shot and killed in a murder-suicide in Bell.

During a news conference Thursday night, investigators said 51-year-old Don Spirit killed his six grandchildren and his daughter before killing himself around 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

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According to Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz, Spirit called 911 and made reference to harming others and himself.

"When he called 911, (Spirit) said enough to alarm us to get someone there, and we needed to get there in a hurry." Schultz said.

Once deputies arrived at the home, Schultz said they had a discussion with Spirit. It was then Spirit shot himself.

When deputies went into the home, they found the seven others.

The names of the six grandchildren and daughter have not been released.

Schultz said the grandchildren ranged in age from 3 months to 10-years-old.

No motive for the shooting is known at this time.

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