Patrick Lynch, two children James, Caroline, killed in apparent murder-suicide in Pennsylvania
By Raquel Ciampi
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MOUNT LEBANON MUNICIPALITY, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — The Mt. Lebanon community is in mourning after the bodies of two children and their father were found outside a parking garage.
Police say what happened outside the parking garage on Washington Road in Mount Lebanon was not an accident.
Following an investigation, police believe 42-year-old Patrick Lynch, 8-year-old James Lynch and 6-year-old Caroline Lynch, died in a murder-suicide after an ‘apparent fall.’
By the time police arrived to the garage, first responders were actively providing CPR to the the family. All three were then pronounced dead by a medical examiner.
“Significant amount of trauma for the community” Police Chief Jason Haberman said there will be a “significant amount of trauma for the community” following the deaths.
“Everyone in the Mt. Lebanon community will know someone involved in this incident,” Haberman said.
The police chief is asking the public to keep victims’ family in their thoughts and prayer.
Officials say there is no danger to the public. The Allegheny County Police Department has been called to assist at the scene.
Mt. Lebanon School District “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news involving members of our Mt. Lebanon school community. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we are keeping them and their loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Mt. Lebanon School District said in a statement.
All other Mt. Lebanon School District schools will operate as normal.
The district said if your child and/or children attend a different Mt. Lebanon School District school, and you prefer to keep them home, you may do so as an excused absence.
“During difficult times, it is important to remember that no one has to navigate challenging moments alone. A tragedy can affect each of us differently, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with the impact of recent events, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Resolve Crisis Services is available 24 hours a day at 1-888-796-8226 to provide confidential support and assistance to individuals and families in our community,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Friez said, in part.
Honey Bee Haven: Honey Bee Haven day care reached out to families after the deaths, saying one of the children was at school prior to Tuesday’s discovery.
“Our entire team is devastated. Our teachers love and care for these children every day, and the shock and grief they are experiencing tonight is profound. After talking as a team and considering what our staff needs in this moment, we have made the difficult decision to close Honey Bee Haven tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4,” the day care said, in part.
The day care will be providing professional counselors to the day care to provide grief and mental support to teachers and staff.
“We want to give them the opportunity to process this tremendous loss together and receive professional support before asking them to return to their classrooms and care for your children,” the statement continues. “This is an extraordinarily painful loss for our Honey Bee Haven family and for the greater Mt. Lebanon community. Our hearts are with this family and everyone who loved these children.”
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