Police recording sheds light on initial response at Harrow home where Walsh family members were found dead

Warning: This story contains a reference to possible suicide and disturbing details.

A police radio recording provides more details about the response to a sudden death investigation in Harrow, Ont., that resulted in the discovery of the bodies of four family members in their home last week.

The newly released audio includes the initial impressions of officers after arriving at the rural home on 1200 County Road 13 where the bodies of Carly and Steven Walsh and their children, Madison, 13, and Hunter, 8, were discovered.

"We got what appears to be a male party, possible suicide by a shotgun," an officer says in the recording.

"Need to clear this residence, look for the female party."

A few minutes later, the officer confirms they found three bodies, and that's followed by fellow officers responding to a dispatch call for any additional units available to attend the scene. 

An officer later confirms in the recording that four bodies were found inside the home. However, police still haven't confirmed any details of how the family members died. 

Ontario Provincial Police have said members of the Essex County detachment visited the home on the afternoon of June 20 to do a well-being check.

Funeral services set for next week

The recording offers a window into the first moments of an investigation that police have described as complex.

When CBC News asked OPP about the recording, spokesperson Derek Rogers said police were "unable to provide any additional comment of confirmations while the investigation remains ongoing."

WATCH | Community members remember Carly Walsh and her children:

'There aren't any real words:' community grieves loss of Essex family members

5 months ago

Duration 2:39

Community members participated in a vigil in Harrow on Sunday night after four family members were found dead in their home on Thursday.

The community continues to grieve and pay tribute to members of the family as the funeral services approach. 

Earlier this week, Families First funeral home in Windsor released the obituary for Carly and the two children, as well as information on the visitation and funeral in Windsor that are set for Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Steve Walsh was mentioned in the obituary but his funeral plans have not yet been announced. 

'Communicate the reality,' women's advocate says

Julie Lalonde, an advocate for women's rights who educates people on gender-based violence, said police need to be forthcoming with information. 

"I think police have a difficult job when it comes to investigating cases like this, and my heart does go out to the officer that arrived on the scene because I'm sure that it was a harrowing thing to experience," said Lalonde. 

"But the police have an incredible responsibility to communicate the reality of what we're experiencing."

She said police have missed an opportunity to communicate with the public.

"We're not connecting the dots between what happened in this community, this family and the fact that the rates of femicide in Canada are increasing every year." 

Police initially told members of the media and public that they were at the family's home for a sudden death investigation and there was no threat to public safety. 

At a news conference a day after the bodies were found, OPP spokesperson Rogers called it an "unimaginable tragedy" and said no arrests had been made.

"We would ask the public to be patient and let the investigation progress," said Rogers in response to calls for more information.

In the obituary, Carly, 41, is remembered as a mother that would do anything for her children and had a strong work ethic. 

Madison is described as a "budding entrepreneur" who enjoyed ice skating, while Hunter was known for being "a busy little guy with a huge smile" who road a dirt bike made by one of his grandfathers.

Help resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare 24-hour crisis line: Call 519-973-4435

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.

• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.