A rural Douglas County man shot and killed his former girlfriend and daughter before taking his own life on Sunday, officials said.
Peter Sanders, 41, Erin Berg, 36 and Mazey Berg, 3, both from Maryville, Missouri, were killed, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded to a reported shooting in the driveway of a home on East 900 Road around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
When first responders arrived they saw Erin Berg in the driveway who had been shot several times. She later died from her injuries at the scene, officials said.
Law enforcement later found the Erin Berg’s vehicle in a parking area at the Baker Wetlands. The toddler and Sanders were found dead in the wetlands not far from the vehicle.
Officials believe Sanders shot and killed Mazey and Erin before taking his own life.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said Sanders and Erin Berg had previously been in a relationship, but were no longer together. Mazey was their daughter.
Erin Berg's cousin, Maria Duran, sent the following statement to 41 Action News.
"Erin Berg was the most fun-loving person you could ever meet. She was your best friend right away, and had such a down to earth demeanor. Her smile brightened every room, and her daughter, Maisy, was nothing short of the same. Seeing them together and how they laughed and smiled together was a sight to see, they were connected beyond anything. Erin was there for you whenever you needed her, and she was such a goof ball. Erin and Maisy were 2 people you'd want to always be around. We will miss them beyond what anyone will ever know."