Identities released in Overland Park murder-suicide

An elementary school teacher from Kansas City was one of two people who died in a murder-suicide in Overland Park early Sunday.

Jason Hershey Crabtree shot Jamie Lee Newkirk and then turned the gun on himself, Overland Park police said Monday. Police did not release details of their relationship.

Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass said on his blog Monday that investigators were trying to determine why the shootings occurred.

Newkirk, 27, and Crabtree, 33, were found dead in a vehicle just after 1 a.m. Sunday when police were called to the scene of a traffic crash near College Boulevard and Mastin Street.

Crabtree taught second grade at Gracemor Elementary School in the North Kansas City School District. It was his third year at the school, officials said.

In a statement sent to members of the school community, Principal Cynthia Kupka said Crabtree was “loved by his students and admired by his colleagues.”

“Although our schools are on spring break this week, we realize our families may look to the school for comfort and understanding,” Kupka said. “To help students and staff cope with the loss, we will make counselors available if needed. In the meantime, we send our deepest condolences to Mr. Crabtree’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

This story was originally published March 17, 2014 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Identities released in Overland Park murder-suicide."