CHANDLER, Ariz. -- A man shot his two children to death before turning the gun on himself in Chandler, police said.

The bodies of Robert Roberts, 43, and his two children, Carleigh Roberts, 4, and Michael Roberts, 6, were found at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, officers said.

The children's' mother, who was separated from Roberts, had gone to the house to check on the three because the kids hadn't been taken to day care or school and Roberts didn't go to work.

Officers said the children had stayed with their father Wednesday night.

The home where the bodies were found is near Alma School Road and West Queen Creek Road, described as a normally quiet, family-friendly neighborhood.

Neighbors said the family had rented the home a couple of months ago.

CBS 5 News investigated Roberts' background.

In 2001, he was arrested on child abuse and assault charges. Court papers showed he punched another of his children, 6, in the face.

In 2003, Roberts fired a rifle inside his home with his family present. The incident ended up in barricade situation in which he eventually was arrested without anyone getting hurt.