David Jacobs

RGJ

Investigators on Monday continued gathering information about events leading to the killings of three family members in a northwest Reno home where a makeshift memorial is in place as a tribute.

The children's mother, Ashley Deane, has identified the three as her husband, Rob, and their children Austin, 2, and Jacob, 7.

Rob Deane "suffered a mental breakdown and took the lives of his sons and then his own," Ashley Deane said in a written message Monday.

"As our family begins the lifelong process of grieving, we ask for privacy and prayers for our family, for Jacob and Austin, and for Rob," Ashley Deane said in the statement.

"The coming days, weeks, and months will all present new challenges and we ask for your peaceful strength and support," she said, also stating that "our family suffered an unspeakable and unimaginable tragedy."

A handgun was used in the shootings in the Stone Valley Drive home, authorities have said.

Police said that Ashley Deane's statements "do not reflect the statements made by the Reno Police Department in previous media releases and our investigation is continuing."

"We are still in the process of gathering information on the case and trying to establish a timeline and history with the family leading up to the events on the evening of November 8, 2014," police said in a statement earlier Monday afternoon.

No one else was inside the Stone Valley Drive home besides the three, whose bodies were found Saturday afternoon, police reported, saying they were not looking for any suspects.

Police said that investigators were continuing to gather information from those who knew Rob Deane, 36, a Reno-area car salesman and father of the children.

In place outside the Deane's home is a makeshift memorial, featuring stuffed animals, flowers and balloons, as a tribute to the family.

Outreach efforts continue

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts are continuing on behalf of Ashley Deane ahead of a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Sunday Nov. 16 in Studio Inspire, 8521 White Fir, Suite C-3 in Reno.

"Friends of Ashley Deane" which started on Facebook over the weekend, had raised at least $22,000 by Monday morning, said Anicia Beckwith, a friend, who is helping spearhead the effort.

The goal is reaching at least $75,000 by year's end, Beckwith said.

Within the first two hours of the online fundraiser, $10,000 had been raised Sunday, she said, crashing a computer server because of high-interest in the effort.

Beckwith said that Ashley Deane is self-employed as a professional photographer.

"Her life has been turned upside down," Beckwith said Monday. "This will help not only cover expenses but also help her move on with her life."

"This is a very big load off her shoulders," Beckwith said of the fundraising work.

The efforts extend beyond money.

"I can't tell you how many people have sent messages," Beckwith said. "It's not only financial support but also emotional support. The community is appreciated so much."

IF YOU GO

• "Friends of Ashley Deane" candlelight vigil 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Studio Inspire, a photo studio 8521 White Fir, Suite C-3 in Reno.

• More information is available on the "Friends of Ashley Deane" Facebook page

HOW TO HELP

• To make a monetary donation, go to moveyourmountain.org/campaign/AshleyDeane#story

The group had raised $22,000 by Monday morning but is seeking to raise at least $75,000.

Source: organizers