(PRINCESS ANNE, Md.)- Hundreds of people gathered in the Fitzgerald Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to remember the family of eight who died in a carbon monoxide poisoning in Princess Anne.
Eight white-draped caskets lined the front of the auditorium, as a line of mourners paid their respects to the Todd family, Saturday, April 18, 2015. Family and friends had three hours to view the family and a three-hour funeral that followed.
The bodies Rodney Todd and his seven children arrived in a number of white Cadillac Hearsts that carried a picture for each of the deceased. The female victims were seen wearing dresses with tiaras donning their heads; and the males were resting in white multi-piece suits.
Family and friends sobbed and comforted one another as they gazed over the eight bodies to pay their final respects.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is what claimed the lives of Rodney Todd, 36, of Princess Anne and his seven children, according to Princess Anne police. Their bodies were found Monday, April 6, 2015 around 1 p.m in a home on Antioch Ave., in Princess Anne.
It was a tough sight and reality for friends and family to stomach.
Shamika Church, who said Todd and his children were like family, could barely hold back tears as she gazed at the home she often visited.
"Every time I read a news paper article or I see it across the internet, the tears start flowing like they are now," Church tearfully explained.
She said she had knocked on Todd's door a few days ago after not hearing from him, but never thought she'd be mourning the deaths of Todd and his children.
"It's heartbreaking," she said.
The Princess Anne Police Department arrived at the home after a co-worker reported the adult male never showed up for work.
Police say the victims were found in a sleeping position, which leads them to believe they died while sleeping. Toxic fumes from a gas generator in the kitchen was believed to have lead to the deaths.
Autopsy have confirmed the victims inhaled carbon monoxide, an odorless gas, while trying to power their home; at the time when their power was, allegedly, turned off due to a reported outstanding balance.
Police have subpoenaed Delmarva Power to review service records to the home. Delmarva Power has since released a statement denying claims they shut power off to the home due to an outstanding balance.
At a news conference Tuesday, April 7, 2015 afternoon, Princess Anne Police Chief Scott Keller said the scene was like nothing he's ever experienced in his 40-plus year career.
"I've seen a lot of things, but not something like this, because of this," said Keller.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John B. Gaddis wrote early Tuesday morning, "The Somerset County Public School system is deeply saddened and heartbroken over the recent tragedy in the Princess Anne community. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Todd family and our community as we struggle with the loss of seven beautiful children. We are committed to providing the services needed and meeting the needs of our schools and community during this very difficult time."
The seven children, identified by family members as Tybria Todd, 6; Zyheim Todd, 7; Tyaina Todd, 9; Tybree Todd, 10; Tykira Todd, 12; Cameron Todd, 13; and Tynijuiza Todd, 15, attended three schools in the district including Somerset Intermediate School, Princess Anne Elementary School and Washington Academy and High School. School officials gather on Monday April 6, Dr. Gaddis to develop plans for meeting the needs of the students and staff at each school today and in the days to come.
Prior to the beginning of class, after the tragedy, the Superintendent visited a number of the schools and attended faculty/staff meetings conducted by the principals to discuss the facts and logistics in order to provide services to those students and staff who need assistance in coping with this tragedy.
Police do not believe foul play was involved. There was no electricity in the home and it was being powered by a generator, police said.
Rodney Todd and his children leave behind a slew of family and friends.
The Todd family said in this statement: "There are no words to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support shown through your kind actions and deeds. We are eternally grateful, on behalf of the Todd family, to know that so many care and have shown their love."