COLE CAMP, Mo. -- It’s a mysterious triple homicide that has residents of this small Missouri town living in fear.

A couple and their granddaughter were found killed in their home on Tuesday and so far law enforcement officials have not given out any information about who may have done the killings.

Police found the bodies in the Cole Camp home near South Elm Street and West Butterfield Trail on Tuesday after receiving a call from someone concerned about its occupants.

The victims were identified by the Missouri Highway Patrol on Wednesday as Donnie R. Luetjen, 64; Sharon K. Luetjen, 61; and Taron D. Luetjen, 15, all from Cole Camp. Authorities said the deaths likely occurred Sunday or Monday.

By Wednesday afternoon, a clearer picture of the victims was starting to emerge. Friends and family said that Taron, a sophomore at Cole Camp High School, had lived with her paternal grandparents from an early age. She was described as an avid singer and athlete. Her principal said she was as an all-around good student.

When Taron didn't show up for her driver's education class on Monday and Tuesday, the school called a family friend to go check on her. It was this friend who discovered the bodies.

"(You're) more scared 'cause you just don't know," said Valerie Heismoth, a Cole Camp resident. "You hear about this stuff but when it happens where you live it's a whole different thing."

Taron’s mother was at work about 50 miles away in Buffalo, Mo., when she heard the news.

“I have a lot of hate right now,” she said. "I just don’t understand how somebody could kill someone. How they could be evil like that. Fifteen years old, and that’s a child. Her life hasn’t even begun.”

Detectives from surrounding counties have formed a rural major case squad to investigate the deaths. They did not release any information on Wednesday. But residents said they are fearful.

Residents who spoke to KCTV5 said they knew the Luetjens. Donnie was a collector of artifacts and made a living as a mechanic at his home shop. They were both active in their church.

Police said they plan to release more information Thursday morning.