NEWTOWN, Connecticut — Carver spoke as police released a list with the names and ages of the victims. Twelve girls and eight boys were killed, all either 6 or 7 years old. The adults ranged in ages from 27 to 56, and included the school’s principal, psychologist and at least two teachers.

Among those killed was Emilie Parker, 6.

“As the deep pain begins to settle into our hearts, we find comfort reflecting on the incredible person that Emilie was and how many lives that she was able to touch in her short time here on Earth,” her father, Robbie Parker, told reporters, struggling to speak through tears.

He described his daughter as bright, creative and loving. She loved to draw pictures and try new things.

“Emilie’s laughter was infectious and all those who had the pleasure to meet her would agree that this world is a better place because she has been in it,” her father said.

Also killed were Dawn Hochsprung, the school’s beloved principal, school psychologist Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, a first-grade teacher, and substitute teacher Lauren Rousseau.

Until Friday, only one homicide in the past 10 years had been reported in the upscale community of expansive homes surrounded by woods, where many residents commute to jobs in Manhattan and the nearby Connecticut cities of Stamford and Hartford.

Flags were lowered to half-staff in a number of states, and vigils were held at houses of worship and at schools amid a national outpouring of grief.

Authorities in Newtown, Connecticut, put together more pieces of the puzzle Saturday to explain what happened inside Sandy Hook Elementary School.

All the victims died from gunshot wounds and were struck more than once, according to H. Wayne Carver II, chief medical examiner for the state of Connecticut. Their deaths have been classified as homicides.

President Barack Obama spoke tearfully about the massacre on Friday and is scheduled to travel to Newtown on Sunday to meet with the families of the victims.

Law enforcement officials have identified the gunman as 20-year-old Adam Lanza. He apparently took his own life.

Authorities, meanwhile, in Hoboken, New Jersey, were questioning Ryan Lanza, the suspected gunman’s older brother, law enforcement sources said, though they did not label him a suspect. Lanza’s father, Peter, who lives in Connecticut, was similarly questioned, one of the law enforcement officials said.

Peter Lanza released a statement Saturday expressing condolences to the families of victims.

“Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy. No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief and trying to find whatever answers we can,” said the statement, which was obtained by CNN affiliate WFSB.

Within minutes, 26 people had been killed, leaving only the one wounded survivor. The survivor, an adult, has not been named.

“She has been treated and she’ll be instrumental in this investigation, as I’m sure you can understand,” Vance said.