ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — The masked trio who terrorized a home in Alexandria were actually taking part in a family prank, according to police.

Police said in a news conference that the three costumed people seen in the doorbell camera video were teen boys who are related to the victim.

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The incident happened on Oct. 14 at a home near Duke and South Jordan Streets.

Investigators said they received a tip shortly after the investigation became public that the masked group was related to the victims. From there, officers said an adult woman confessed that she had helped her two sons and her nephew with the prank.

Chief Tarrick McGuire said two other adults and another child were also helping with and recording the incident. In all, investigators said there were four children and three adults involved.

McGuire said the victims had no idea this was a prank when it happened.

"For me, my team and this community, it represents a moral failure," McGuire said. "A moral failure where consequences could result in deadly consequences."

The chief said one of the victims called her brother before calling the police, who then arrived with a gun, believing the prank to be a burglary.

"These are not pranks to be taken lightly. It is a very serious incident." McGuire said.