A missing six-year-old boy was found dead alongside his father in what Michigan police are investigating as a murder-suicide.

The child’s mother contacted police Monday, August 19 after the boy’s father failed to return him to her custody on time. A multi-day search ensued, and on Wednesday, August 21 everyone’s worst fears were confirmed.

During the evening of August 19, Michigan’s Isabella County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a mother about her missing six-year-old son. The boy’s father was supposed to return him to her that morning, but he did not show up.

While the boy’s mother shared pictures of her son on Facebook, deputies went to Michael Steven Winchell’s house and searched for him and his son, Rowan Milford Morey.

Police continued searching for the next 24 hours, but could not locate Winchell or the child.

Detectives were able to locate a sibling of Winchell, but they too could not reach the 48-year-old father.

Family members arrived at Winchell’s property on August 21 to help with the search. While searching the grounds someone located an isolated camper in the rear of the property.

They broke one of the camper’s windows and saw Winchell who appeared to be dead. Police forced their way into the camper and found both Winchell and Rowan deceased.

While the case is still under investigation, initial reports suggest Winchell shot his son before turning the gun on himself.

“Thank you for sending your prayers for a safe return. Unfortunately our fears were confirmed and Rowan has been found but is no longer with us,” Rowan’s mother shared on Facebook after her son was located.

I have no words. How can a father shoot and kill his own son?