CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — New court documents reveal that Cymone King, the woman at the center of a murder-suicide that left three children dead in Chesapeake, was not legally allowed to own a firearm.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide on Welcome Rd.

According to records obtained by 10 On Your Side, King attempted to purchase a gun in April 2024 despite a prior involuntary commitment to a mental health facility. Under Virginia law, individuals who have been committed against their will are prohibited from purchasing, possessing or transporting firearms.

A plea agreement also shows King made a false statement to law enforcement related to firearm records.

In addition to firearm violations, records from Norfolk and Chesapeake courts show King had a history of domestic violence. In one case, a person filed a restraining order against her after she admitted to slashing their tires in April 2021. A Chesapeake criminal complaint states she confessed to a friend over the phone that she had flattened the tires.

Another incident in March 2021 led to an emergency protective order in Norfolk, where court records state King physically assaulted a person, holding them down and repeatedly hitting them in the face.

Neighbors and family members told 10 On Your Side that King had been in distress for some time, with one community activist saying she had reached out for help before the tragedy.

Family, neighbors shaken by Chesapeake murder-suicide

Chesapeake police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to come forward.