Detroit police have arrested a man in connection with a horrific triple homicide involving the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Kayda Sutton, her mother, Sandra Davis, and her 9-year-old daughter, Ayva Richards, whose bodies were discovered inside a burned vehicle on the city’s west side early Sunday morning. Elauntra Sutton, a grieving Detroit resident, identified the victims as her daughter Ayva, her sister Kayda, and her mother Sandra. Authorities have confirmed that all three were murdered prior to being set on fire inside the vehicle.

According to investigators, the suspect—who had previously been in a relationship with Kayda Sutton—allegedly shot both Kayda and Sandra before brutally stabbing 9-year-old Ayva to death. After committing the murders, the suspect reportedly transported the bodies across town, ultimately setting the vehicle ablaze in the area of Milford and 30th Streets around 5:50 a.m. Sunday morning.

The Detroit Fire Department responded to reports of a car fire at the location. Once the flames were extinguished, three bodies were discovered inside, severely burned and initially unidentifiable.

Subsequent investigation led police to execute a search warrant at a residence on Detroit’s east side, where they uncovered a homicide scene believed to be where the murders took place. Inside the home, officers also found a 4-year-old boy, who had been left unattended. He is a relative of the victims and is now in protective custody.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison expressed deep concern and outrage over the brutality of the crime. “With a case like this, it really upset me as well, and it upset our community. It can create a sense of fear,” said Bettison. “My homicide detectives worked around the clock along with the Michigan State Police. We utilized all of our assets to bring justice to this case.”

The Detroit Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up or online at detroitrewardstv.com. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to progress in the investigation.

“We will be relentless in not stopping when something like this happens,” Chief Bettison added. “Our hearts are with the family and this community as we work to ensure justice is served.”