Shooting that left 4 people dead in North Sewickley Township was a triple murder-suicide, DA says
NORTH SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- Four family members have died as a result of a shooting in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, on Sunday night.
While the investigation is still in the preliminary stages, Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible on Monday called the incident a triple murder-suicide.
The shooting happened along Shaffer Road around 8:30 on Sunday night.
Police confirmed to KDKA-TV that a family of four was shot inside the home, leaving a mother and father dead at the scene and their two teen children, ages 16 and 18, in grave condition before they succumbed to their injuries at a Pittsburgh hospital.
The DA says an abandoned 911 call from inside the residence brought authorities to the home.
When officers arrived, they found the bodies of the parents, Clifford and Michelle Hunt, and their two teen boys, Clifford Jr. and his 16-year-old brother, in grave condition, suffering from gunshot wounds to their heads.
Police say it appears Clifford Jr. was the shooter.
"At this stage, it does look like the older son, Clifford Jr., may have been the last one alive. There were several weapons were taken from the scene. [We are] still sorting out what weapons were used and on who, trying to piece together a timeline of what might have happened," Bible said.
Teen victim remembered for kind heart
The Riverside High School put out a statement identifying one of the victims as junior Cody Hunt. The school said Cody Hunt was a member of the National Honor Society and played the saxophone in the marching band.
"Eager to serve his country, Cody planned to apply to the United States Air Force Academy. He also volunteered at the Air Heritage Museum in Chippewa, where he shared his love for aviation with visitors. Cody's classroom teachers and friends would say he was kind-hearted and always helped others. Everyone at Riverside will miss him dearly," the school said in a statement.
The district is making counselors available for all students and staff, and therapy dogs will be in the high school.
Community members 'heartbroken' by tragedy
Community members told KDKA-TV that they were shocked and saddened beyond belief after hearing about the tragedy in their close-knit town.
It was shortly before closing Sunday night when Jennifer Lanham says North Sewickley Township police instructed one of her employees at the Exxon gas station and convenience store to lock up and leave the area after the shooting took place.
"We were actually told to shut down and go home," Lanham said. "It's beyond words. You just don't think you're going to wake up and hear four people have been shot."
Investigators were back at the Shaffer Road residence on Monday in hazmat suits. They could periodically be seen carrying items out of the home, including several rifles, leaving the people who know the family and those who don't in shock.
"What could have happened to create such a situation that they felt this was necessary to do what happened?" Lanham questioned.
Police say it's too early to comment on a motive for the shooting, adding that autopsies of the teen victims will have to be conducted before police know exactly what happened.
"It's a lot to try to absorb. I can't put myself in that specific situation, but I know as a community, we are heartbroken. Just absolutely heartbroken," Lanham said.
Watch: Chris Hoffman Reports
The North Sewickley Township community is still trying to process a triple murder-suicide. Authorities said Clifford Hunt Jr. shot and killed his father Clifford, mother Michelle, and brother Cody.
The sound of chickens running around was common for the Hunt family. Autumn Ashurst Stang says Michelle Hunt had a few dozen chickens. Now Stang is taking care of them.
"Her animals were her world. They were her babies," Stang said.
Hunt's chickens and other animals are finding new homes after the tragedy. Stang was heartbroken when she learned the news over the weekend. The word that came to her mind for the family was kind.
"They were loved by everyone. They were big in the animal world. They loved their animals," Stang said. "Not only was this one tragedy. This was four tragedies all at once."
Throughout the week, the school district will have counselors available for students and staff's needs. Donations are being taken to help support the farm animals and the funeral costs for the family.
A candlelight vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ellwood City Giant Eagle.