Two children were forced to witness to the unimaginable last week — a violent attack on their mother, followed by threats against their own lives — before their father ended his life, authorities said.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by their uncle — who is now taking care of them — has raised more than $11,000 in a matter of days.
According to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, Rachael Renee Kerr, 43, was slain on Jan. 29 near her home inside Bradford County near the Clay County line.
Kerr’s estranged husband, Loyd Alan Kerr, 50, of Middleburg, entered the residence at approximately 5 a.m. and woke the couple’s two children — an 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son.
Authorities said the then tied up Rachael Kerr and ushered the kids outside to her car. During that time, Rachael Kerr was able to contact a neighbor and plead for help.
The neighbor arrived at the scene and Rachael Kerr tried to escape. Loyd Kerr followed her, and the children later told deputies that they soon heard a gunshot.
Their mother was found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the neck, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said Loyd Kerr returned to the kids and asked them if they “wanted to go to heaven with their Dad,” according to Clay Today. Authorities said he pointed the gun at each child, both of whom said no.
Loyd Kerr then turned the gun on himself and fired. He died at the scene.
The couple had filed for divorce in July, and Rachael Kerr successfully obtained a restraining order against her husband. In the months leading up to Thursday’s incident, Loyd Kerr was arrested several times for violating the protection order.
Following the deaths, the children were placed in the care of their uncle, Nicholas Leidy.
Leidy has since launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help provide long-term care, counseling, and stability for them.
“I am honored and committed to stepping in to provide them with love, protection, and a stable home during this difficult transition,” he wrote. “While nothing can ever replace their mother, my heart and focus are on creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can begin to heal emotionally and continue growing surrounded by family and support.”
The fundraiser will help cover daily living expenses, educational needs, emotional support services, and legal and guardianship costs.
“Your support will help provide comfort, consistency, and hope for two children who have experienced unimaginable loss,” the post stated.
