Gardaí have recovered two rifles at a house in Co Wicklow where the bodies of a man and his elderly parents were discovered earlier today.
The three have been named locally as John-Joe and Mary Sleater, who were in their 80s, and their son Patrick.
Mrs Sleater was a former school teacher and her husband a retired farmer.
Their son was a metal worker who had a workshop at the house and who was in his early 40s.
Their bodies were found in the family home at Grangecon, Co Wicklow at around 11am this morning.
Concerns were raised when the family failed to attend Sunday Mass and also failed to collect their paper at the local shop.
The scene near Baltinglass in the west of the county has been preserved for technical examination.
State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy earlier carried out an examination of the scene.
The bodies have been taken to Dublin City Morgue where post mortem examinations will be carried out tomorrow.
Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths at present.
