The Connecticut State Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday confirmed the cause of death of a mother and three children found dead in a Danbury home Wednesday evening.
Sonia Loja, 36, was confirmed to have committed suicide by hanging, according to the Farmington Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Police said in a statement Thursday that the initial investigation found that Loja “strangled her three children” before taking her own life.
Loja’s three children, Junior Panjon, 12, Joselyn Panjon, 10, and Jonael Panjon, 5, were killed by homicide by ligature strangulation, according to the medical examiner’s office. Ligature strangulation is when someone is strangled with a string, rope, wire, or something similar.
Police were called to the home for a welfare check after receiving a call of a man in distress. They then found the three children dead in the house and a woman dead in the shed.
Police have not released a motive for the murders.
Loja reportedly ran an unofficial daycare from her home, where she was often seen playing outside with children.
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The state Office of Early Childhood was investigating an unlicensed child care business at Loja’s address after receiving an anonymous complaint, said Maggie Adair, OEC director of government and community relations. Staff visited the home on June 2 and cited Loja for providing unlawful care, Adair said.
OEC staff made another visit to the home on June 6, and Loja told them the children in her care that day were family members, Adair said.
Staff visited again on June 29 and 30, Adair said. On June 29, Loja was found to be providing illegal child care again and was asked to terminate the order. On June 30, he was found to be following the warrant, Adair said.
Two of the children who died were students in Danbury Public Schools, Superintendent of Schools Kevin Walston said in a statement.
“Losing children to violence is becoming all too common in our nation, and events like these shine a light on the challenges facing communities, specifically around mental health, that leave so many people vulnerable,” Walston said.
A team of professionals will be available at Morris Street School and Westside Middle School Monday from 10 a.m. to noon to meet with students, staff or family members who need help processing the tragedy.
“We ask that members of our community reach out to those they feel may be struggling with this event or any emotional issues in general and direct them to resources or additional help,” she said.
