Mom Who Killed Gets Private Funeral

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis said Tuesday that details of funeral arrangements for a mother and three daughters who were victims of a murder-suicide would not be made public.

The bodies of Ballwin mother Christine Adewunmi, 37, and children Kate Adewunmi, 3, Samantha Adewunmi, 6, and Lauren Adewunmi, 8,  on the Meramec River. Associated Press reported each had one bullet wound to the head. 

The three young girls were Parkway School District students, and their mother was a physical education teacher up until 2006, at Parkway North High School.

The funeral announcement was made in a written statement to media by the Archdiocese. Following is the contents of the brief.

ADEWUNMI FUNERAL DETAILS WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED 

Out of respect for family, ceremony will be kept private 

A West County family that is grieving the deaths of a mom and three children, has asked that they be allowed to grieve privately. The Adewunmi family are not releasing any details of the wake, funeral, or burial to the media. Out of respect for this grieving family, media will not be permitted at these services.

A spokesperson told Patch that the slain family were members of , and a pastor was meeting with others of the family.

Christine Adewunmi, the girls' mother, was being treated for depression, according to a statement from the family. 

Leonard Adewunmi reported his wife and daughters missing Friday evening. The bodies were found Saturday by a camper.

Wikipedia says the Roman Catholic Church considers suicide a "serious" or "grave" sin, but that the church prays for those victims. "God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance," according to Wikipedia, quoting Catechism No. 2283.

Contact information for the Archdiocese: Office of Communications and Planning, 20 Archbishop May Drive St. Louis  63119 and communications@archstl.org