Pennsylvania State Police are searching for answers after a man shot his wife and two children to death before taking his own life.
"Seemed like they had very successful jobs. Their home was the all-American home. There were toys for the children. Looked like a very loving household with pictures and all the things you'd ever think you'd see when you walk into a home," Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said. "I don't know how else to say it other than to say we're sorry and it's tragic...We feel for them."
Police found Paul Swarner, 35, Karen Swarner, 32, 5-year-old Evelyn Swarner and 1-year-old Connor Swarner, dead inside the home following a 911 call made Thursday night. Limani said that Karen Swarner's father went to the home around 11:30 p.m. after not being able to reach them.
Police believe, according to Limani, that Paul Swarner killed his family and then himself. He said police did not have a motive, but were searching for answers: "The family is going through an awful lot right now, I can only imagine the questions they have."
Swarner used a 22-caliber Ruger pistol, Limani explained. He said that police were still trying to construct a timeline of what happened and when and that anyone who had had contact with the family recently should contact law enforcement.
The last known contact with Karen Swarner, Limani revealed, came on Wednesday afternoon. Limani described the phone conversation as normal with no signs of trouble. However, family members were unable to reach the Swarners all day Thursday, prompting Karen's father to stop by the home.
Limani said that police were checking electronic devices in the home to see if they might provide some indication as to what happened and why.
