Authorities did not hint at a motive into the slayings by William Maxwell in an upscale neighborhood of the city Monday night.
Police said Tuesday that 47-year-old Maxwell killed his wife Kathryn, 17-year-old Connor and 15-year-old Cameron before turning a gun on himself.
Friends and neighbors say the Maxwells were a friendly family who kept a meticulous yard and were active in their church and their children's religious high school.
Fayetteville is about 50 miles southwest of Raleigh and home to the Army's sprawling Fort Bragg.