Kent and Nissa Warren appeared in court Thursday to face charges two months after their three children were found dead. Kyle, 13, Brandon, 14, and Marnie Warren, 19, were found shot to death in their mobile home near the Johnston-Wayne County line.
Investigators said Brandon shot his sister four times and his younger brother 11 times before turning the gun on himself. Johnston County social workers had been talking with the Warrens for two months before the shooting after getting reports that the home was deemed unsafe and unsanitary for children.
The Warrens were charged with keeping a gun within reach of their children and child abuse related to the conditions inside the home.
The judge convicted the couple on the firearms charge. He said while the condition of their home was one of the worst he had seen, it did not amount to child abuse.
The Warrens each received a 45-day suspended sentence and perform 100 hours of community service. They are also not allowed to own a gun.
They also must get their home in line with the Johnston County Building code within six months. The couple has 10 days to appeal the conviction.
The Warrens had been charged with child abuse before in Arizona. Kent Warren pleaded guilty and Nissa Warren received probation.
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