Authorities in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are investigating a tragic murder-suicide involving a family of four found dead in their home on January 24.
Paul Swarner, 35, his wife Karen Swarner, 32, and their two young children, 5-year-old Evelyn and 1-year-old Connor, were discovered in their Hempfield Township home.
Police suspect Paul Swarner killed his wife and children before taking his own life.
The discovery came after the family had been unresponsive to calls from relatives.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani, the last known contact with the family was on January 22, when Karen Swarner spoke with a friend and showed no signs of distress.
When family members couldn’t reach the couple the following day, Karen’s father called the police late that evening, prompting the investigation.
State police recovered a Ruger .22 firearm from the scene, which they believe was used in the killings. Limani described the case as “unthinkable” and “devastating,” particularly due to the involvement of young children.
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“You’re talking about your wife, but then a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old. It’s just devastating,” he said during a press conference.
Despite the tragic outcome, authorities have stated that there were no prior reports of domestic violence or any indication of trouble within the family.
Limani described the home as an “all-American” household, filled with children’s toys and family pictures, suggesting a seemingly happy and stable life.
As of January 24, police were executing a search warrant on the family’s home, combing through their electronics for any clues to understand the motive.
Neighbors, like Dick Shawley, expressed shock over the loss, remembering the children as joyful and full of energy. “Such devastation. Such preciousness life,” Shawley told WTAE.
This incident is the second murder-suicide in Westmoreland County in recent months, as authorities continue their search for answers.
