BERLIN, (Reuters) – The man who took the life of his wife and their three small children was faking a vaccination certificate. A German prosecutor claimed that he feared that his children would be stolen when the forgery was found.

On Saturday, police found three children aged 4-8 and 10 who were shot to death by gunshot wounds in the Koenigs Wsterhausen home of their family.

Police found a farewell letter in which the man stated that he had forged his wife’s vaccination certificate. Gernot Bantleon, a prosecutor in the case, told Reuters that their employer found out and led to them fearing they would lose their children.

Witnesses who saw dead bodies were the first to alert police, according to prosecutors and police.

Germany tightened restrictions last month to prevent a fourth round of coronavirus pandemic. Since last month, all employees must show proof that they have been vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19.

German officials agreed to ban the non-vaccinated from all businesses except those that are essential, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and bakeries. They also intend to require vaccinations for certain jobs.