Cops storm blood-soaked home after crazed father shoots baby, 1, and sister, 5 in triple murder-suicide

By Lucas

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Cops storm blood-soaked home after crazed father shoots baby, 1, and sister, 5 in triple murder-suicide

State police in Pennsylvania are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that occurred early Friday morning and killed the entire Westmoreland County family.

Police were called to a home on Keck Lane in Ruffs Dale, Hempfield Township, early Friday morning. When troopers arrived, they discovered the bodies of Paul Swarner, 35, Karen Swarner, 32, Evelyn, 5, and Connor, 1.

The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office was also dispatched to the scene to identify the victims, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

According to police, Paul Swarner shot his wife and two children before committing suicide.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani told local CBS affiliate KDKA that a family member last spoke with Karen Swarner on Wednesday afternoon. According to the family member, the conversation “for all intents and purposes” appeared to be “normal.”

However, no one was able to contact the family on Thursday afternoon, so Karen’s father called 911 around 11:30 p.m., according to Limani.

He added that troopers were executing a search warrant at the family’s home to find out what caused the family members’ deaths and to determine a possible motive for the murder-suicide.

“We’re going to do everything we can to get answers to the family but I’m sure right now that answers aren’t going to be sufficient for what they’re going through,” Limani told the audience.

According to Limani, the couple had been married for ten years and described themselves as a “all-American family.”

“It’s unthinkable, unfathomable,” Limani declared. “To be honest, I don’t have the words to express how awful it is. I mean, you’re talking about your wife, but what about a 5-year-old and a one-year-old? “It’s absolutely devastating.”

This is the second murder-suicide in Westmorland County since December, and it occurs less than a month after another family of four was killed in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County. In the Beaver County case, an 18-year-old killed his parents and brother before committing suicide.

Limani acknowledged during his remarks that anyone contemplating suicide or dealing with mental health issues should seek professional assistance.

Police are urging anyone with information about the events that led to Friday’s incident to call the Greensburg barracks at 724-832-3288.

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