Parents, 3 young children, were shot in their Delaware home

A mother, a father and their three young children died in a shootout in their Delaware home on Monday night . A neighbor says that the father told him that he recently lost his job.

Soldiers found the ball victims on the second floor of a house on Ferris Road at Price Corner in New Castle County shortly before 8 pm. On Monday, the Delaware police said:

Family members and neighbors identified the victims of the shooting as Matthew Edwards, 42, Julie Edwards, 41, and their children Brinley, Jacob and Paxton. The children were 8 years old or younger.

"With a heavy heart, our thoughts and prayers accompany this family," the Delaware State Police Sergeant. Richard Bratz says.

Children's toys, including a slide and a kiddie pool, are on the lawn outside the house. A neighbor told NBC10 that his children were playing with Edwards' children

"There are three kids out there, their wives and husbands," Brian Covenko told NBC10. "I'm a little shocked because we're really friends with them."

Neighbors said Matthew Edwards would play outside with his children when he was home.

Julie Edwards is seen with her three children. View Larger

Photo Credit: Facebook / NBC10

A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said that he just saw the children playing with his children outside during the weekend. He stated that Matthew Edwards, who was working outside the city, told him that he had recently lost his job and that he had marital problems.

Julie Edwards pleaded for the Williams Syndrome Association in social media. Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that may include moderate intellectual disability or learning problems and cardiovascular problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Authorities did not give news about the causes of the shooting

For the safety of the surrounding area, "the police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (302) 365-8441.