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LEXINGTON, S.C. — A South Carolina father who authorities say killed his five children believed the kids “were going to kill him, chop him up and feed him to the dogs,” according to an arrest warrant released Wednesday.

The warrant was obtained by WLTX.

Investigators say Timothy Jones Jr., killed his five children, stuffed them in plastic bags and drove around with their bodies in his car for several days.

The children were last seen on Aug. 28, when Jones picked them up from school and daycare.

It was reported that Jones then ordered his children, ages 1 to 8, out of his vehicle at a Lexington Walmart because he “believed the children were going to kill him, chop him up and feed him to the dogs,” according to the warrant.

Authorities think Jones then killed the children at their Lexington home. After driving around with their bodies in his vehicle, Jones dumped them on a remote hillside near Camden, Alabama, authorities said.

Several hours later, Jones was pulled over at a traffic checkpoint in Smith County, Mississippi on Sept. 6, without the children. The suspect’s vehicle contained a large amount on blood and hand written notes with directions to kill and mutilate bodies,” the warrant states.

Jones led law enforcement to the bodies on Sept. 9, which is 12 days after investigators believe the murders happened.

Investigators and Jones’ legal team have indicated he’s been treated for mental illness in the past.

Jones faces five counts of murder and is being held at South Carolina Department of Corrections after waiving his right to a first court appearance last week.

Prosecutors have not announced if they will seek the death penalty.

Source: WLTX