Schools

Parkway Principal Speaks to Classmates of Murdered Girls in Letter

Mother shoots three and kills self at remote campground.

The principal of the the Parkway school where two of three sisters shot to death Saturday by their mother attended, sent a letter around to families of the school community.

The four were found at a campsite in southeastern Missouri. They lived in Ballwin.

The girls' father, Leonard Adewunmi, reported them missing on Friday. 

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The two oldest girls attended Oak Brook Elementary School in the Parkway School District. Officials provided photos of the two young students, and a copy of the letter sent to families.

Dear Oak Brook Families, 

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It is with deep sorrow that I must share with you a tragedy that has occurred in our community. Lauren Adewunmi, Samantha Adewunmi and Kate Adewunmi were found dead along with their mother on Saturday afternoon. Lauren was a second grade student in Miss Hasch’s class, Samantha was a first grade student in Mrs. Evans’s class and Kate was a pre-school student. 

We are deeply saddened that this has occurred to students in our community. Anytime the life of a young child ends, it is often incomprehensible for adults and children. In the days and weeks ahead, students may have questions and concerns relating to these deaths. Because of this, they will require your support at home and our continued support at school as they work through their feelings and grief. There is no right way or wrong way to react. The most important thing we can do is be supportive of our children and one another. 

I know this is a difficult subject to talk about with your children so I am including some links to websites you may find helpful. 

http://childgrief.org/documents/InformingofDeath.pdf 

http://www.ccascounseling.org/Telling%20Children%20About%20Death.htm 

When students return after spring break, we will have additional support to help students, staff and parents process through their feelings and grief. If you feel your child is having difficulty and would benefit from additional support, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, counselor, Mr. Helton, or myself so the school can be aware of and address our students’ needs. 

Our thoughts are with the Adewunmi family as they deal with this tragedy in their lives. During this time of grief and sadness, the members of the Oak Brook community will continue to reach out and support one another and our students. 

Sincerely, 

Chris Shirley 

Principal 

 


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