LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- A mother and her four children died early Thursday morning at their home at the Max Howell housing development in Jacksonville. Found dead were Marilyn Beavers, 31, her son, Dequan Singleton, 11, and her three daughters, Sydni Singleton, 9, Haylee Beavers, 7, and Emily Beavers, 4.
"There was no visible fire seen and there is no exterior damage that can be seen," said Captain Kenny Boyd with the Jacksonville Police Department.
Investigator said a coroner's report will determine the cause of death, but a maintenance worker who said he found the bodies reported heavy smoke upon entering the residence coming from the direction of the kitchen.
"A tenant said they had a fire she smelled smoke and I went to the apartment and of course I didn't see any damage in her apartment," said Maintenance Worker Bobby Snow. He said a further inspection would reveal what he thought to be fire damage on a window seal. "I called my other maintenance man and I said, 'come back. I see some damage out here we need to get in this apartment we need to check it out.'" Snow said upon entering the residence they made the discovery. "We tried to get the bodies out, but it was already too late."
Police reported no signs of forced entry and said firefighters reported seeing no flames when they arrived.
Best friend to the mother, Marilyn Snow said after living eight years in public housing, the family had recently been approved to buy a home.
"I talk to her last night. They'd just got approved for a house. They were moving. They were getting out of here, " said Snow.
Authorities said they will wait for a coroner's report to determine the cause of deaths.