3 Wis. girls found dead, dad arrested

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP) -- A father has been arrested after three young girls, believed to be his daughters, were found dead at home in a tiny western Wisconsin town.

Police said the house smelled of gas.

Authorities say the girls' mother, who was away, called River Falls police Tuesday afternoon and asked officers to check on the sisters because their father had called her and the conversation made her concerned for their safety. Court records show the couple was divorced last year.

Officers found the bodies of the children, ages 5 to 11, at their River Falls home. City administrator Scot Simpson said Wednesday the girls match the description of the couple's three children.

The 34-year-old father later turned himself in to police.

River Falls is about 30 miles east of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.