A family of four was found dead in their Pennsylvania home last week, and authorities are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide.
According to public reports from police and the Westmoreland County Coroner, Paul Swarner, 35, Karen Swarner, 32, and their two young children were killed on the morning of Friday, Jan. 24, in Pennsylvania. He was found dead in his home in Hempfield Township.
Law enforcement believes Paul Swarner shot and killed his wife and two children, then killed himself, Pennsylvania State Police Officer Steve Limani said. explained at a press conference WTAE reported on Friday.
“It's unthinkable, it's unfathomable. I honestly don't have the words to describe how bad it is,” Limani said. “You're talking about my wife, but you're talking about my kids, who are 5 and 1. It's really shocking.”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
Limani said authorities believe the person who last spoke to the family had a “normal conversation” with Karen on Wednesday, adding: “There was no concern that there was any conflict or danger.” Ta.
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The next day, Paul's parents tried to call the family in the afternoon, but there was no answer. Karen's father then called 911 on Thursday at 11:30 p.m.
Limani noted that authorities recovered a Ruger .22 from the home, adding, “That appears to be the firearm used.”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
When asked about a possible motive, Limani said: “We're looking to see if there's a reason. Maybe there's a baby camera and we're looking into it to see if something happened. It was something that would have given me an opportunity to think and experience something new.”
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“We don't have a history of domestic violence in terms of state police being involved in any way.” [in] That particular household,” he added.
Limani said the couple had been married for about 10 years and were “a completely American family,” adding, “They have pictures and everything you see when you walk into the house, and it looks like a very loving home.” “It looked like it,” he added. . ”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
Reporters attending Friday's meeting noted that the incident was the second murder-suicide in Westmoreland County since Christmas Eve 2024.
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“Usually during the holidays, most of the problems occur when it comes to mental health,” Limani said.
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“I don't know what happened to Paul. I don't know why it happened,” he added. “I hope we can find some answers.”
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact state police in Greensburg.
