Before the bodies of William Scaccia Jr. and his 6-year-old son were found dead, the man was known to law enforcement authorities.

Police were called to a home in Foxborough Friday morning for a report of a fire and gunshots.

"It was a horrific scene," said William D. Baker, chief of the Foxborough Police Department, told reporters during a Friday morning press conference.

Scaccia, 49, and his 6-year-old son, Anthony Scaccia, were found in the home suffering gunshot wounds.

Police believe Scaccia killed his son before pouring accelerant throughout the home, igniting the liquid and turning the gun on himself.

Officers tried to revive the young boy but were unsuccessful.

"We have had recent history with him," Baker said, of interactions between his department and Scaccia.

The Foxborough resident was unsuccessful in his application for a pistol permit this year. After it was denied by Foxborough police, he appealed it and was denied by the courts this month.

While without a license to carry, Scaccia did obtain a gun which police believe he used to kill his son then take his own life.

Scaccia had pending charges in Massachusetts. He was placed under arrest last week on charges of domestic violence. He also had a pending assault charge against him.

The man was not living at the home with his son at the time of their deaths.

The deaths remain under investigation by the Foxborough Police Department, Norfolk District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police.