Dad Killed 9-Month-Old Daughter Before Taking His Own Life. Mom Said He 'Tried His Best' to Be a Good Father

A Missouri mother returned home to find her 9-month-old daughter and her partner dead in an apparent murder-suicide, leaving her devastated and questioning the tragic event.

On February 28, Micah Lawery, 23, had left her daughter, Ophelia, in the care of her partner, 21-year-old Zacchaeus Daniels, while she briefly went to a beauty store, KSDK reported.

Upon returning to her St. Louis home, Lawery found both Ophelia and Daniels dead, with the authorities soon confirming the deaths as a result of a murder-suicide.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police responded to a shooting call at Lawery's apartment. While Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene, Ophelia was rushed to the hospital but was later declared deceased.

Daniels had reportedly struggled with mental health issues, but had never been violent toward Lawery or their child.

Lawery expressed her shock and grief, telling the outlet that Daniels was always "trying his best" to be a good dad.

Lawery has since received support from family and friends, including a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $17,000 to assist her in coping with the aftermath of the tragedy.