HERRIN, Ill. (WJPF) — The deaths of a Herrin a man and his son, who’s bodies were found in a Christmas morning house fire, have now been ruled a murder-suicide.

Firefighters were called to the home on North Park Avenue in Herrin just before 3:00 AM December 25, 2019. While extinguishing the flames inside the home, firefighters found the bodies of 46-year-old Ricky Lowe and his son, 12-year-old Gavin Lowe.

Investigators believe Ricky Lowe fatally shot his son Gavin, set the home on fire, and then turned the gun on himself, taking his own life.

A motive has not been released.

The incident remains under investigation by State, County, and Local authorities.