Port Lincoln murder-suicide: Damien Little shot himself and his two sons before he drove them off wharf

TWO young boys killed in a tragic murder-suicide were shot before their father drove off a Port Lincoln wharf, police have confirmed.

Damien and Melissa Little with sons Koda, 4 (front left) and Hunter, 10 months (front right). Damien, Koda and Hunter were killed when Damien drove himself and them off Port Lincoln's main wharf about 6am on January 4, 2016. Picture supplied by family.

• TRAGEDY: Father drives sons off wharf in murder-suicide
• TRIBUTE: Family raise toast to two little boys
• EXPERT’S PLEA: Real men must talk about mental health
• MENTAL ILLNESS: ‘We saw him spiral into a dark space’

TWO young boys killed in a tragic murder-suicide were shot before their father drove off a Port Lincoln wharf, police said on Friday.

The revelation came as their heartbroken mother paid an emotional tribute to her “precious” sons and the husband she loved “so much’’.

Autopsies show Damien Little, 34, and his two sons Koda, 4, and baby Hunter, nine months, suffered gunshot wounds before they plunged into Boston Bay in his Ford station wagon.

Police said the investigation into Monday’s “tragic circumstances” would cover domestic violence and mental-health issues.

Melissa Little, 29, paid tribute to her “precious” boys and “childhood sweetheart who became my loving husband”.

Breaking her silence in a 222-word statement of selfless, unending love, the grief-stricken primary school teacher, known as Mel, said “words cannot express the pain I have felt”.

She described her boys as happy, loving and caring.

“My two precious boys have left this world way too soon and my heart is broken,” she said.

“I will miss them and think about them each and every day. Their futures were full of endless possibilities.”

Mrs Little, who has been comforted by friends and family, also paid tribute to her husband, whom she married in March 2007 in Port Lincoln.

Damien Little’s Ford station wagon is lifted from the water. Picture: Ivon Perrin

Koda Little, 4, and his brother Hunter Little, nine months, were killed when their father Damien Little drove himself and them off Port Lincoln's main wharf. Picture supplied by family.

She has also released poignant family portraits in tribute.

She said the popular labourer and petrol-tanker truckie was a devoted father who put his family first and should be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of the Eyre Peninsula community.

They had been planning to build their dream home on their rural property on the town’s outskirts that offered spectacular sea views. She said: “Damien I loved you so much you have left a huge hole in my heart, our memories I will cherish forever.

“You will not be forgotten.”

Her heart-wrenching statement came after several private visits to the growing shrine of flowers, footballs, toy teddy bears, and handwritten notes that have since been moved from

Police recover a rifle from the water, after the car plunged over the wharf. Picture: Channel 7

Brennan’s Wharf’s edge to a safer place at the jetty’s entrance.

Playful photos of the boys with their father were added by family to the public memorial, where Little had driven his car at up to 80km/h before it plunged into deep waters at 6am. His family have told The Advertiser how the successful footballer and coach battled mental illness for three years. They told how, because of his pride, he rebuffed their desperate pleas for him to seek help.

Police yesterday released new details to quash “unnecessary speculation” pending a report to State Coroner Mark Johns, whose findings, they said, would “follow a detailed examination of all the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths”. Major Crime detectives are now among police investigating the circumstances — including a lengthy suicide note that Little posted to social media just minutes before the tragedy.

In a statement issued with the family’s consent, the officer in charge of Eyre & Western Local Service Area, Superintendent Paul Yeomans, said the post mortems were complete.

Divers have also recovered a rifle with a telescopic sight from sea waters.

“Autopsies have ... revealed that Mrs Little’s two young children suffered gunshot wounds prior to entering the water, as did Mr Little prior to driving over the wharf,” Supt Yeomans said.

“The coronial investigation is still ongoing and issues including domestic violence and mental health will form part of that report to the Coroner.”

In a separate statement last night, Mrs Little, her parents Dale and Debby Goldsworthy, Little’s parents Sue, 58, and Ken, 67, and extended family offered their “heartfelt thanks” to the community for their “overwhelming” help, prayers and compassion.

Damien and Melissa Little with sons Koda, 4, and Hunter, nine months. Picture supplied by family

Community rallies for Port Lincoln mother

A fundraiser for Damien Little’s wife, Mel, has been launched by her close friends and family.

A Facebook page has been subscribed by almost 8000 people and, as of Friday night, more than $25,000 has been raised as locals rallied behind Mrs Little, a 30 year-old schoolteacher.

Close friend Kelly Kidney urged people to share the “A Little help” page to help “raise much needed funds for her that no parent should have to endure”.

Donations can be made at Bendigo Bank branches or via electronic funds transfer.

BSB: 633-000. Account number: 156468415. Account name: KL Kidney & JM Fraser

Donations can be titled ‘A little help”

STATEMENT BY MELISSA LITTLE

Words cannot express the pain I have felt since Monday.

Damien was my childhood sweetheart who became my loving husband. He was also a father who loved his two children very much.

Damien valued and appreciated our close-knit family, he put us first, we were his whole world. He spent every hour providing quality time and teaching the boys how to live and grow.

Damien I loved you so much you have left a huge hole in my heart, our memories I will cherish forever. You will not be forgotten.

My wish is for Damien to be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of our family and our community.

My two precious boys have left this world way too soon and my heart is broken. I will miss them and think about them each and every day. Their futures were full of endless possibilities.

Koda had the biggest heart, so loving and caring. He always loved a hug, had so much enthusiasm and was a willing helper.

Hunter was such a happy, content and smiling baby. His laughter was infectious and his cheeky little personality was just beginning to emerge.

Considering what I am still yet to face in the grieving process, I ask that you please respect my privacy as I come to terms with this unexpected and tragic event.

Melissa Little

The memorial which has been set up in Port Lincoln for the family. Picture: Dean Martin

Anyone experiencing personal difficulties can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au