It took Birmingham Fire Fighters only 30 minutes to contain the blaze. When they forced their way in, they found the bodies: "One fatality is one too many but four, and two of them being minors is really devastating," said Chief C.W. Mardis.

Two children, 11 and 13, and their parents, all found dead: but it was not the fire that killed them.

After being briefed by police at the scene, Mayor Larry Langford exclaimed, "How do you shoot four people in the head, execute ‘em, and then set ‘em on fire?" The county coroner confirms: all four victims were murdered.

Neighbor Margaret Osborne said, "I mean people are shooting up killing up and burning houses I mean who's next? Who's next??" While it was hard on adults in the community, those hurt the most are the children who knew the victims. "We played together on the swing set we played hide and go seek, freeze tag, dodge ball," said Makayla Magwood.

On Wednesday, the 11- and 13-year-old victims of this crime were playing at the Grasselli Heights Park with their friends, who did not even go near it Thursday. It may be a long time before they ever feel like playing there again. "My granddaughter cried from the time that fire started when she found out those people those people had been burned she just cried and cried and cried," Osborne said.

People in the community say they are scared the crime is related to a nearby neighborhood known for violence. "I'm scared of New Hill too, but I got news for you New Hill will become Old Hill pretty quickly," Langford said. Mayor Langford also says the perpetrators can expect a visit from police very soon.