Memorials for Four Lost in Possible Murder-Suicide

Mary Kenny and the rest of her family from wish two other area families the strength to get through Thursday's funerals for one mother, Christine Adewunmi (nee Pannett), 37, and her three daughters.

The four victims were found Saturday afternoon at a camping resort near Bourbon, MO, as reported by authorities and multiple St. Louis media sources. A gun was found alongside their bodies. Crawford County Sheriffs department officers are investigating the case, and are not ruling out the possibility of a murder-suicide.

Kenny communicated the following condolences to the two sides of grieving families about the tragic turns of events:  "With sincere sympathy and many prayers that God will give you His help, His strength, and His hope during this time of deep sorrow."

Christine Adewunmi was the wife of Leonard Adewunmi of Ballwin. She also was the mother of the late Lauren, Samantha and Kate Adewunmi; daughter of Barrie and Judy Pannett (nee Kalla); sister of Debbie (Ed) Vandeven, Barry (Lisa) and Tim Pannett; daughter-in-law of Clement and Theresa Adewunmi; sister-in-law of Julius (Elin) and A. Joseph (Kittrell) Adewunmi and Patricia (Ike) Odina; aunt of Kristin, Abby and Brooke Vandeven, Alex, Bella and Evie Pannett, Julius S., Alexis and Max Adewunmi, Justin Adewunmi and Gabriela Odina.

A 10 a.m. Mass will be held Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manchester for the four family members. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Lauren Christine Adetola Adewunmi was 8 years old. Samantha Marie Olushola Adewunmi was 7 years old. Kate Margaret Adebukola Adewunmi was 3 years old. The girls all attended Oak Brook Elementary in the Parkway School District.

If desired, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Playground Fund, 567 St. Joseph Lane, Manchester, MO  63021.

A Statement from the family of Christine Adewunmi was published by Fox 2 News:
It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that we release this statement about Christine, Lauren, Samantha and Kate Adewunmi. This is a very challenging time for the family and friends and we appreciate all the support, prayers and love.

Christine Adewunmi was a loving and devoted mother. She spent the last 9 years making her children the number one priority in her life—going to the park, taking them on vacations, playing in the yard and making sure they had a good childhood.

Christine was battling depression. Family, friends and professionals were supporting her recovery and stood by her side as she coped with the debilitating disease. Depression is difficult to understand and a serious illness that is hard to comprehend. No one knew the depths of her problem or could ever foresee this tragedy occurring. We cannot understand why this has happened and are dealing with this tragic loss one minute at a time. We firmly believe the Christine we knew and loved would never intentionally hurt her children.

As the days go on, we pray for Leonard Adewunmi as he deals with this horrible loss. He is a proud and loving father of his three smart, beautiful and talented little girls. As an involved and caring dad, he will miss cooking with Lauren, playing soccer with Sammi, and singing to Kate. Leonard is a devout Catholic and family man that worked very hard to give his wife and children a wonderful life. Please respect his privacy as he has just lost his entire family.