Pennsylvania Father and Two Children Die in Suspected Murder-Suicide

Three members of a family died after an apparent fall near the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building in Pennsylvania on Election Day, prompting police to investigate the incident as a suspected murder-suicide involving a 42-year-old father and his two young children.

The bodies were discovered shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday behind the municipal building and near an adjacent parking garage, according to the Allegheny County Police Department.

Authorities identified the deceased as Patrick Lynch, 42, James Lynch, 8, and Caroline Lynch, 6. All three were residents of Mt. Lebanon, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Police said emergency responders found the three victims with injuries consistent with an apparent fall. Attempts to save their lives were unsuccessful.

“When first responders arrived on scene, they found an adult male and two children suffering injuries from an apparent fall,” police said. “First responders attempted life saving measures until medical professionals pronounced the three deceased on scene.”

Investigators are treating the deaths as a suspected double murder-suicide rather than an accident. Authorities also emphasized that the incident does not pose a threat to other members of the community.

“Preliminary information suggests that this incident is a murder-suicide and there is no danger to the community,” police said.

Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman addressed the incident during a press conference Tuesday, confirming that investigators were not approaching the case as an accidental event.

“we’re treating this incident not as an accident.”

Haberman also acknowledged the potential emotional impact on residents, noting that the incident could affect people throughout the local community.

“There will be a significant amount of trauma associated with this event for the community” he said. “Our condolences to everybody involved. ... Everyone in the Mt. Lebanon community will know someone involved in this incident.”

Investigators have not released information about what may have led to the deaths. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the Allegheny County Police Department.