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Missing Highlands Ranch mother and two young sons found dead in Lone Tree

Posted at 4:51 AM, Nov 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-01 00:59:28-05

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Officers are calling the discovery of three bodies a horrific ending to a missing persons case involving a mother and two sons from Highlands Ranch. 

Police confirmed Wednesday morning the identities of the three bodies they located in a minivan in Lone Tree just after 7:30 a.m. as Jennifer Laber and her 5- and 3-year-old sons, Adam and Ethan Laber. 

The father of Adam and Ethan called police for help on Tuesday when Mrs. Laber didn't return with the two boys from school. Officers say he took the right course of action in calling for help. 

Douglas County Sheriff's Office officials said, "There were no red flags, there were no indications that an Amber Alert was needed." 

Police say there is not a threat to the community, and they don't believe there are any suspects in the case. 

Investigation is expected to continue for some time where police located the minivan on the side of the former Sports Authority store on County Line Road in Lone Tree. Authorities also set up an investigation at the Highlands Ranch home of the family.

Police asked for privacy for the family, and space for the investigation as it moves forward. 

Denver7 chief investigator Tony Kovaleski confirmed that authorities are investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

In 2015, suicide was the seventh-leading cause of death in Colorado. Colorado has two 24/7 hotlines to help people in crisis. The suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and a crisis and support line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255). 

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