Court documents reveal concern weeks before murder-suicide - KPTV - FOX 12

Weeks before the murder-suicide in Dundee, court documents reveal Amy Engels not only filed a divorce petition, but asked for a temporary custody order, saying her children were in "immediate danger."

In a affidavit dated May 29, she wrote, "My husband has threatened to steal them and not return them. He has threatened to hurt them. He yells at them, and makes them feel nervous and upset."

The judge denied the order, writing "danger not established."

In a statement to Fox 12, Judge Cal Tichenor said, "(Amy Engels) did not establish that the children were in immediate danger from their father. Without that, I could not deny him the right to be a custodial resource for the children."

Police have not revealed a motive, but said officers were called to check the SW Charles Street home July 4, after someone called them concerned about a social media message posted online. On Randall Engels' Facebook page, the last post reads, "If she's gone, I can't go on."

Investigators said they believe Randall Engels shot and killed his wife and two children before killing himself.

Autopsies showed they died of gunshot wounds to the head; Randall Engels' wound was self-inflicted, according to police.

"I've just been wondering why someone would do something like this," said Jayden Brown, who went to school with Bailey Engels.

"She was always optimistic," Jayden said. "She was always a person you could go to if you needed some help."

Bailey had just finished seventh grade. In a letter to classmates addressing the tragedy, Chehalem Valley Middle School Principal Jon Franco described Bailey.

"She was not only an amazing student but an outstanding person. She was a positive role model for her peers and was often seen doing more than expected both during and after school," Franco said.

"She always had a smile on her face," said Steven Shalberg, who called Bailey a great friend, confident and smart.

His brother, Hunter, went to school with Jackson Engels, who had just finished fifth grade.

"He loved to play sports, smart kid," Hunter said. "He always cheered people up."

"The boys are having a hard time trying to imagine how this could happen," said Brenda Shalberg, who recalled seeing Amy at school.

"I know she was a wonderful mother," Brenda Shalberg said. "She loved the kids very much."

Grief counselors will be back at Dundee Elementary school Monday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.  Counselors will be at Chehalem Valley Middle School from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday.