Three people, including a child, were found dead late on Saturday in the town of Prilep in what authorities say appears to be a murder-suicide linked to a family dispute.
Police said the bodies of an 11-year-old boy, his 43-year-old father and a 63-year-old male relative were discovered inside a house in central Prilep.
According to the Interior Ministry, the suspect, believed to be the boy’s great-uncle, shot the father and son before taking his own life. Local prosecutors said initial evidence suggests the motive was an unresolved property dispute.
Before the killings, the suspect reportedly posted a message on Facebook hinting at his plans, local media reported. He is also said to have fired shots and thrown an explosive device at police officers who responded to the scene. The device did not detonate and no officers were injured.
Forensic teams and a public prosecutor have carried out an investigation at the scene. Police have launched an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Prilep, a town of about 70,000 people in southern North Macedonia, has been left in shock by the tragedy.