On Saturday, March 23, 2024, a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania man shot and killed his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself, police confirmed.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Lower Moreland Township Police Chief David J. Scirrotto stated that 44-year-old Al Allaberg took the life of his former spouse, Durdona Sultanova, aged 43, and then ended his own life. The incident took place in their once-shared home.
The Lower Moreland Police received an emergency call from the couple’s children around 4:30 p.m. Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered the bodies of Sultanova and Allaberg in the master bedroom’s walk-in closet.
Autopsy results confirmed Sultanova died from multiple chest wounds, and Allaberg’s fatal injury was a self-inflicted head wound. The Coroner’s Office ruled Sultanova’s death a homicide and Allaberg’s death a suicide.
Before the shooting on Saturday, police had responded to incidents at the residence in the past. Despite their divorce, Allaberg still resided at the home during his visits to the area, according to a statement from the District Attorney’s office spokeswoman.
In response to the tragedy, a family friend, Lilia Tamkovitch, has established a GoFundMe campaign aiming to provide for the funeral costs of Sultanova and to secure financial care for the orphaned children. Tamkovitch shared memories of Sultanova as a warm, generous soul whose life was cut short.
The fundraising effort has garnered substantial community support, amassing close to $50,000 thus far. The organizer appreciates the community’s support and asks for continued thoughts and prayers for the children during this profoundly challenging time.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the resources available for people experiencing domestic violence, with officials reminding the public to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.