A Pennsylvania family of four was found dead in their home, in what officials suspect to be a murder-suicide, New York Post reported. The victims include Paul Swarner, 35, his wife Karen, 32; their two young children, Evelyn, 5, and Connor, 1. According to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s report and police, the bodies were discovered on the morning of January 24 by Ms Swarner’s father. After the shocking incident, Pennsylvania State Trooper Steve Limani addressed the media, revealing that preliminary evidence suggested Paul Swarner had taken the lives of his wife and children before ending his own life.
“To be honest with you, I don’t have the words to describe how awful it is. You’re talking about your wife, but then a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old. It’s just devastating,” Mr Limani said.
When questioned about a potential motive, Mr Limani acknowledged that investigators are actively searching for one, but remarked that “no explanation will be enough” to ease the pain and suffering of the affected family. Preliminary investigations have revealed that neither Paul nor Karen Swarner had any prior criminal history or documented instances of domestic violence.
“I don’t know what was going on with Paul. I don’t know why it would have happened. I hope we’re able to find some answers. It’s extremely, extremely sad. I don’t know. I don’t know what’s worse,” Mr Limani added.
“They seem like they had very successful jobs. Their home was the all-American home. There were toys for the children. It looked like a very loving household with pictures and all the things that you would ever think that you would walk into a home and see,” the officer continued.
According to the officer, the last family member to contact Karen Swarner on January 22 reported to police that there were no apparent issues or conflicts within the family and no concerns or fears about potential harm or endangerment were expressed.
Authorities recovered a Ruger .22 from the home, which appeared to be “the firearm that was used,” Mr Limani said. The occurrence marks the second murder-suicide in Westmoreland County since December 2024.