A father shot and killed his wife and two young children before taking his own life in their Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania home, where they were discovered after relatives couldn’t reach them for more than a day, state police said Friday.
The bodies of Paul Swarner, 35, his wife Karen Swarner, 32, their five-year-old daughter Evelyn, and one-year-old son Connor were found Thursday night, January 23, 2025, in a single room of their residence, along with a Ruger .22 caliber handgun, State Trooper Steve Limani said.
“It’s unthinkable. It’s unfathomable,” Limani said. “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.”
Karen’s father made the discovery when he went to check on the family at their Ruffsdale home after repeated attempts by relatives to make contact throughout Thursday went unanswered. The last known interaction with the Swarners occurred on Wednesday when family members engaged in what appeared to be a routine and ordinary conversation with the couple. There were no indications of any conflict, distress, or concerns for safety during the exchange, and nothing in their demeanor suggested any signs of trouble or potential danger.
The Swarners had been married for 10 years with no recorded history of domestic violence or criminal activity. Both held successful jobs and maintained what appeared to be a stable household in the quiet Ruffsdale community. “Their home was the all-American home. There were toys for the children,” Limani noted. Inside the residence, investigators discovered numerous signs of a typical family life, with no clear indications of any underlying issues or disturbances. Children’s toys were spread throughout the home, depicting an active and happy family environment. The overall atmosphere of the household suggested it was a warm and loving space where the family shared a close bond.
Dick Shawley, a neighbor who lived near the family, remained unaware of any disturbance until police vehicles descended on their typically peaceful street. “I feel so bad,” Shawley said, struggling with emotions while speaking to WTAE. “I wasn’t family, but I tried to help as much as I could, and I didn’t bother them. But if they needed help, I was there.” Shawley recalled his recent interactions with the children, describing how he had played Santa Claus for them this past Christmas, delivering gifts to the young siblings. “They were always jumping around and happy,” he added, holding back tears.
This incident marks a concerning trend in the region. It is the second murder-suicide in Westmoreland County since December and the fourth such incident in the broader region during that timeframe. The tragedy follows another family-related murder-suicide in Beaver County earlier this month.
The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office, working in conjunction with state police investigators, is conducting a detailed examination to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the deaths. Investigators are mainly focused on determining when the shootings occurred between the Wednesday phone call and Thursday night’s discovery.
Pennsylvania State Police have launched a comprehensive investigation, including interviews with extended family members, colleagues, and neighbors. They are working to piece together the family’s final days and understand what might have precipitated the violence.