Here are the 4 children killed in the Orlando hostage incident

Officer Kevin Valencia critically wounded prior to standoff

From right to left: Irayan, age 12, Lillia, age 10, Aidan, age 6, and Dove, age 1.

ORLANDO, Fla.Four children ages 1 to 12 were found dead Monday after a nearly 24-hour standoff in Orlando.

The children were identified Tuesday as Irayan Pluth, 12; Lillia Pluth, 10; Aidan Lindsey, 6,; and Dove Lindsey, 1.

Walter Benenati, the family attorney for the children's mother, Ciara Lopez, created a GoFundMe page for the family to help pay for the children's burial expenses.

"We are raising money for Ciara who lost her four beautiful children on June 11. Her boyfriend was the father of two of the children and selfishly took the lives of these precious innocent angels and then took his own life. These beautiful babies never hurt anyone. Ciara lost her children, Irayan, age 12, Lillia, age 10, Aidan, age 6, and beautiful little Dove, age 1-year-old. It is a tragic ending to a night of horror. As a representative of the family, I am assisting the immediate family in putting together this fund for funeral expenses for the four children and helping Ciara get on her feet," the GoFundMe page said.

The family attorney, Walter Benenati, said Irayan, who attended Westridge Middle School in Orlando, loved to play video games and was an overachiever in the classroom.

Lillia, 10, who attended Sadler Elementary School, enjoyed going to Disney World and Volcano Bay.

Aidan, 6, who also attended Sadler Elementary, loved dinosaurs and playing outside.

And Dove, who was 22 months old, simply enjoyed running and playing outside.

Benenati  shared more photos of the children Wednesday at the request of Lopez.

"She wants to share photos of the family so they can be remembered as being loving, wonderful children, full of life," Benenati said.

Lopez also issued a statement Wednesday through her attorney.

"I am heartbroken and feel completely alone," Lopez said. 

Attorney Walter Benenati said Lopez "is grieving considerably and is surrounded by loving family and friends at this time."

“The pain comes from having her children in her life one day and then gone the next," Benenati said.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Gary Lindsey Jr., shot and killed the children before taking his own life.

"Certainly if you are being abused or battered, you certainly need to get help," Benenati said. 

Mina said police were called Sunday night to the Westbrook Apartments on Eaglesmere Drive, just off Kirkman Road and not far from Universal Orlando, for a domestic dispute.

A woman told police that Lindsey beat her, and when officers went to talk to Lindsey, he opened fire, striking Officer Kevin Valencia, who was critically wounded, officials said. Witnesses told News 6 that it appeared that Valencia had been shot in the head. Financial contributions to support Valencia and his family during his recovery can be made through his GoFundMe page.

A daylong standoff ensued, with a SWAT team finding the bodies late Monday.

Mina said police were called Sunday night to the Westbrook Apartments on Eaglesmere Drive, just off Kirkman Road and not far from Universal Orlando, for a domestic dispute. 

Sadler Elementary School Principal Kahlil Ortiz sent staff members an automatic recording Tuesday morning announcing that there would be grief counselors available to students and staff to help them cope with the tragedy. 

Listen to the principal's recording below:

Gary Lindsay Jr was a convicted felon, arsonist and had a history of domestic violence. 

The family has not yet set dates for the funeral. Details on any services will be posted when they become available.

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Watch News 6 and stay withe ClickOrlando.com for updates.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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