A home is supposed to be the safest place for a child. That sense of safety was shattered in a small town this week.

WHAT HAPPENED

Police went to an apartment in Mechanicville, New York, late Tuesday night. Someone had asked them to check on the people living there.

Inside, they found a scene that local leaders called a massive tragedy. Four children and two adults were dead.

Officers have blocked off the apartment complex. Many different police groups are now working together to find out what went wrong.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

6 people were found dead inside the home.

• 4 of the victims were children.
• 2 of the victims were adults.
• The discovery happened late Tuesday night, June 23.
• Police arrived after a request for a "welfare check."

THE BIGGER QUESTION

When a whole family is lost behind closed doors, we have to ask how they fell through the cracks. Did anyone see the signs, or did this family suffer in total silence?

We often live close to our neighbors but do not really know what is happening on the other side of the wall. This tragedy forces us to look at how we watch out for each other.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The apartment complex remains a crime scene. Neighbors are left wondering if they are safe in their own beds.

This will likely change how this small community looks at safety and how they check on their neighbors. The school district will also have to help students deal with the loss of four young peers.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How did the six people die?
2. What were the names and ages of the victims?
3. Had police been called to this home for help before?