ST. LOUIS, MO – A tragic discovery awaited a St. Louis mother who returned from a routine trip to the beauty store only to find her 9-month-old daughter and the child’s father dead in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide.

Micah Lawery, mother of Ophelia Lawery-Daniels, recounted the harrowing moment she stumbled upon the bodies of her daughter and Zacchaeus Daniels, 21, in their shared apartment. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department began investigating the February 28 incident under the premise of a murder-suicide. “It’s etched into my mind permanently,” Lawery said, reflecting on the grievous sight.

Lawery shared with reporters that while Daniels had struggled with mental health issues, he had never shown signs of violence towards her, Ophelia, or others.

The motive for the tragic act remains unclear, leaving unanswered questions that Lawery acknowledges may never find resolution. “I may never understand why, and that’s something I’ll have to come to terms with,” she expressed.

Speaking about Daniels, Lawery described him as a good friend and a gentle partner, emphasizing his efforts to be a caring father. “He tried his best, always doing what he could for us,” she noted.

The apartment in northern St. Louis where the family had shared happy memories now stands as a painful reminder of their loss. “It feels eerie,” Lawery said. “The silence is overpowering, reminding me of the moments and milestones that will never be.”

In the wake of this devastating event, a family friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Lawery, sharing cherished memories of Ophelia. The description celebrated her as a joyful child whose presence brought light to many lives. “Our sweet angel brought us so much happiness in her brief time with us,” the friend commented.

As the community rallies to support Lawery amidst her unimaginable grief, the memory of Ophelia lives on through those who love her. The case remains under investigation by local authorities.