Lesbian Couple, 2 Kids Viciously Killed in Quadruple Homicide

In what police are calling a brutal quadruple homicide, two lesbians and their two children were found dead in a basement in upstate New York this week. Numerous law enforcement sources said all four of the victims were bound, with their throats slashed.

The New York Post reports that the women, domestic partners aged 36 and 22, plus their 11-year-old son and five-year-old daughter were found at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday in the basement of their Troy apartment at 158 Second Ave. They say that the family appears to have been targeted, although they have not yet labeled it as a hate crime.

"After being in this business for nearly 42 years, I can say I have not seen savagery like this," Troy police chief James Tedesco said in a televised news conference. "Only a person of savagery would do something like this," he added, without describing the crime scene or saying how the victims were killed.

Tedesco told The Albany Times that there were "indications at the crime scene that this was not a random act. We are certainly appealing to people in the community that would have any knowledge as to what may have transpired there to contact us as soon as possible."

While officials don't believe the quadruple homicide presents an imminent danger to area residents, police and local religious leaders urged people to remain vigilant.

A local pastor told the Times Union that an older son, who is related to the two children, was not home when the killings occurred. He is believed to be the last surviving member of the family. No other people were living in the apartment, said the cops.

"Until they catch whoever did this, there are certainly reasons to be fearful," said Pastor Jackie Robinson Sr., of Oak Grove Baptist Church on Seventh�Avenue in Troy. "We don't know who did it. Until we find out, it certainly makes sense to be vigilant and keep your doors locked."

Albany's Victory Christian Church has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

Capital Region Crime Stoppers is offering an additional�reward of up to $1,500 cash. Submit anonymous tips by visiting�capitalregioncrimestoppers.com�or downloading the free P3 Tips app to your phone.