The obituaries of a family found dead in their South Carolina mansion have raised more questions about the circumstances of their death.
The bodies of Richard Samarel, 54, his wife Lina, 45, and their daughter Samantha, nine, were discovered at their Greer residence on Friday morning.
Police have yet to release any details on the manner or nature of the deaths.
Lina and Samantha have since been honored in a joint obituary, which makes no mention of Richard or his death.
Meanwhile the father-of-three was remembered in a separate tribute, which made brief mention of his ‘late’ wife and daughter.
Locals have no idea if the deaths were the result of a terrible accident or something more sinister – such as a murder-suicide.
The family were found dead at around 11.30am, following a call from a concerned neighbor.
Officers entered the $783,000 home and quickly determined there was no threat to the public.
The couple’s other two children were at school at the time, police said and have now been orphaned.
Lina and Samantha Samarel have been memorialized in a joint obituary after they were found dead at their South Carolina home alongside their husband and father Richard
Richard ‘Rick’ Samarel was given a separate obituary which made a fleeting reference to his wife and daughter
Neighbors told Fox that the police had packed up and vacated the home within hours and family were swiftly allowed back in.
‘The nature of the deaths are curious to many of us in the neighborhood,’ the neighbor said.
‘Police were gone by 5:00 p.m., and family [was] in and at the house that evening.’
Lina was remembered in her obituary as, ‘a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her, embodying the virtues of love, kindness, and selflessness throughout her journey on earth’.
The Colombian-born mom worked as a psychiatric nurse after obtaining a masters degree.
‘Lina was a portrait of health and beauty, both inside and out,’ her obituary states.
‘She dedicated herself to living a healthy lifestyle and had a special appreciation for all things beauty.
‘Her pure heart and honesty were the hallmarks of her character, and she approached every aspect of her life with integrity.’
The family were found dead at their $780,000 Greer home after a concerned neighbor called the police
Samantha was memorialized as a, ‘a beacon of love and gentleness,’ who was described as an ‘angel on earth’.
‘Samantha’s legacy is one of kindness and compassion, a reminder to all to approach life with a gentle spirit,’ her obituary read.
Richard, or ‘Rick’ as he was known, was given a much shorter obituary.
‘Rick was well-respected and liked by his friends and fellow colleagues and his keen sense of humor was appreciated by everyone who knew him,’ the death notice states.
He was remembered first as a ‘beloved son’ and ‘fun-loving brother’.
The obituary describes his relationship with his children, stating he ‘lovingly shared with them his passion for soccer, chess and family outings’.
‘Rick’s legacy is one of love, laughter and the countless memories he created with those he held dear, and he will be profoundly missed.’
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies are pictured at the scene of the disturbing deaths
The coroner’s office which put the family’s time of death at between 10:20 am and 11:29am Friday.
‘More information will be released at the appropriate time once both the Coroner’s Office and this agency can further their respective investigations of this incident,’ the police said in a statement.
