Children at home when mother was slain, Ridgeland police say

The eight children of a Ridgeland mother who was shot to death in her home June 3 were there at the time of the incident, according to the Ridgeland Police Department.

Michelle Passio’s body was found on a couch in the East Main Street home she shared with her husband Richard “Rock” Passio Jr. just about 6 a.m. Police have said Michelle Passio, 33, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Passio Jr., 37, has been charged with murder and is being held at the Jasper County Detention Center.

Their children, ranging in age from six weeks to 13 years, are now in the custody of their maternal and paternal grandparents.

Passio Jr. was arrested Tuesday evening after his second interview with Ridgeland Police. A warrant for his arrest was obtained prior to the interview and he was alerted to that at the interview, according to the department.

When asked if the shooting could have been an accident or suicide, Sgt. Christopher McIntosh said Thursday that “all evidence suggests this is a homicide.”

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Children at home when mother was slain, Ridgeland police say."