Triple killing a double murder-suicide

Authorities: Man killed wife and son before turning gun on himself. By Loresha Wilson ljwilson@gannett.com Neighbors in The Cedars neighborhood describe Billy and Jolyne Hardy as the typical all-American family. Billy worked two jobs to provide for his wife and 3-year-old son, and Jolyne, who also held a full-time job, often was seen outside playing with the child, Bryce, and working in the yard. "Anyone who knows Billy can tell you he was a hard worker and he loved his family," said Reginald Autrey, neighbor and close friend of the couple. "They were nice people and always have been." But their relationship took a turn Tuesday morning when the couple didn't show up for work. Police found the three dead inside of their home in the 8900 block of Brandon Drive. They'd been shot, each in a different part of the house. "The crime scene was not contained to one room," police Cpl. Bill Goodin said. All three bodies were found in the child's room, according to the major incident report. A gun found in the house, near Southwood High School, was used in the slayings, said Dr. Todd Thoma, Caddo Parish coroner. The weapon was fired only three times, and each body had one gunshot wound. "All evidence points to a double murder-suicide," Thoma said. Authorities believe Billy Hardy, 36, killed his wife and son before turning the gun on himself, but police have not ruled out a triple homicide. "He had issues, but we all do," Autrey said. "But getting to the point of taking his son's life and taking his wife's life, I just don't see it." It's unknown when the victims died. Autrey said the man's vehicle was gone when he left for work about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. However, Autrey's wife said Billy Hardy was back at home when she left her house 30 minutes later. Police found the Hardys inside the home just before 9 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the house for a welfare concern after family members called 911 because one of the two didn't show up for work. The Hardys both worked in the radiology department for Willis-Knighton Health System, according to the company spokesman. Residents in the southwest Shreveport neighborhood were in disbelief Tuesday as they watched police work inside of the yellow crime scene tape that roped off most of Brandon Drive. Many stood in their driveways as others paced the streets nearby. "I walk by that house at least five times a day and I wave at those people all the time," said Douglas Fenn, who also lives on Brandon Drive. "They seem so nice. You would never expect anything like this to happen. "I've lived here for 23 years and have never heard any commotion like that." Family and friends rushed to the scene one-by-one as the news spread. "This is a hurting feeling. Billy was like my brother," Autrey said. "I just saw him last night, and the other day he and Lil Billy were outside playing ball. I just can't believe this is happening. Billy wouldn't do that."