'KILLER' PICTURED
Killamarsh deaths: Suspect, 31, found with self-inflicted injuries, say cops as three kids and mum ‘murdered’ at home
A MAN arrested on suspicion of murdering a mum, her two kids and their best pal was found with self-inflicted wounds, police said today.
Cops are quizzing a local man, believed to be Damien Bendall, 31, over the deaths in Killamarsh, Derbys, on Sunday.
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They confirmed today he was taken to hospital to be treated for "self-inflicted minor injuries" before being moved to custody.
Terri Harris, 35, was found murdered at her home along with little John, 13, and Lacey, 11.
Football-mad Lacey’s best friend, Connie Gent, 11, was also killed at Saturday night’s slumber party.
The heartbroken dads of the three kids wept and said: “We couldn’t protect you.”
Jason Bennett, 30, laid flowers for his “Tik Tok Queen” and “beautiful boy” after the horror killings.
Mr Bennett, a Royal Mail worker, sobbed: “I didn’t protect my beautiful babies enough from the monsters and now they have been suddenly taken away from me.”
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Their mum Terri was also killed along with Lacey’s best friend, Connie, who was staying the night.
Connie’s dad, Charlie Gent, 36, said: "My Baby Girl whhhhyyy.
“I can’t even put into words how to feel or react right now. I have to live with the fact I was helpless to protect her . . . and she’s gone.”
Jason also posted heartbreaking videos of the siblings enjoying their time together.
One, which has been dedicated to Jason's "mini me", shows beaming John enjoying himself on a merry-go-round in a playground as Lacey pushes him.
Around 300 people, including many children, gathered in Killamarsh to remember the victims.
Many took turns to place candles around a post in the centre of a park a few hundred metres from where they were found.
Others brought flowers and teddy bears.
And some at the vigil were in tears as the pastor of Killamarsh Church on the Street, David Taylor, led them in a prayer.
Mr Taylor said: "It's a very sad today but it's absolutely incredible that so many people have joined us tonight.
"What do you say at time like this? It's so difficult."
Derbyshire Police confirmed a murder probe had been launched and said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the "isolated" incident.
They said officers had no prior contact with those involved.
Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklock who is leading the investigation said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie – as well as the communities that have been affected by this most tragic of incidents.
“A large scene remains in place on Chandos Crescent and local residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including patrols by officers in the local area.
“I would urge anyone who is concerned about the incident to speak to officers in the area or use the online reporting tool to pass information in confidence.
“Myself and the team of the detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Chandos Crescent between 6pm on Saturday 18 September and 7am on Sunday 19 September, as well as anyone who may have video footage of the street.
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“That can include dashcam, mobile phone footage, CCTV or video doorbells.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 302-190921 or use the .
HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available every day from 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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Dad shares heartbreaking video of kids, 11 and 13, 'murdered' with mum and pal on sleepover as man arrested
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