GAINESVILLE, FL – Deputies in Gainesville performed a wellness check shortly before 6 am on Tuesday at a home on Southwest 27th Avenue. A family member of Paul Reinhart asked deputies from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office to check on the father and his two boys, Rex, 14, and Brody, 11.
Deputies were unable to find Reinhart or the children at the home. Police learned that Reinhart had been sending cryptic and troubling messages on Facebook overnight and family members grew concerned.
After a search throughout Alachua County was conducted, it was learned that Reinhart also had a home in Dixie County. Upon arrival, deputies located the man’s van and it was set on fire. After extinguishing the fire, deputies discovered the body of a man and two children, presumed to be Reinhardt and his two boys.
The medical examiner is performing autopsies to provided positive identification.