Authorities are investigating a apparent murder-suicide after a family of four was found dead in their Pennsylvania home last week.
Paul Swarner, 35, Karen Swarner, 32, and their two young children were found dead in their home in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania, on Friday morning, Jan. 24, according to police and a public report from the Westmoreland County Coroner.
Law enforcement officials believe Paul Swarner fatally shot his wife and two children before killing himself, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani explained at a press conference Friday, covered by WTAE.
“It’s unthinkable, unfathomable. To be honest, I have no words to describe how horrible it is,” Limani said. “You’re talking about your wife, but you’re talking about a five-year-old and a one-year-old. It’s just devastating.”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
Authorities believe the last person to speak to the family had “a normal conversation” with Karen on Wednesday, Limani said, adding: “There was no what you would consider a struggle or any kind of concern , fear of danger.’
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The next day, Paul’s parents tried to call the family in the afternoon, but did not hear from them. Karen’s father then called 911 Thursday at 11:30 PM.
Noting that authorities recovered a Ruger .22 from the home, Limani added, “It appears this was the firearm that was used.”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
When asked about a possible motiveLimani said: “We’re trying to see if there’s a reason. There might be a baby camera… that we’re trying to look through to see if something took place. To see if there was a trigger point or something that would cause it caused Paul to have these thoughts, to experience these thoughts.”
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“We have no history of domestic violence when it comes to state police involvement in anything (in) that particular household,” he added.
Limani said the couple had been married for about 10 years and had an “all-American family.” .”
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Paul and Karen Swarner and their two children were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide, police said. (Karen Swarner/Facebook)
A reporter at Friday’s conference noted that this incident marked the event second murder-suicide in Westmoreland County since Christmas Eve 2024.
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“Generally, it’s during the holidays that we have most of our problems… when it comes to mental health,” Limani said.
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“I don’t know what was going on with Paul. I don’t know why it would have happened,” he added. “I hope we can find answers.”
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact state police in Greensburg.
