A Pittsburgh family of four was tragically discovered dead in their North Sewickley Township home on Sunday evening, following what authorities are investigating as a triple murder-suicide. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. along Shaffer Road, according to CBS affiliate KDKA.
Police responding to a 911 call from inside the residence found Clifford and Michelle Hunt dead at the scene alongside their two teenage sons, Clifford Jr. and Cody Hunt. Both teens were initially found in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities believe the shooting was carried out by Clifford Jr. “At this stage, it does look like the older son, Clifford Jr., may have been the last one alive,” Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible said. “There were several weapons 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.” The Riverside High School community mourned the loss of Cody Hunt, who was remembered as a bright and dedicated student. A statement from the school described Cody as a member of the National Honor Society and a talented saxophonist in the marching band
“Eager to serve his country, Cody planned to apply to the United States Air Force Academy,” the statement read. “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 district has made counselors and therapy dogs available to students and staff to help process the tragedy. The deaths have left the local community in shock and grief. “It’s beyond words. You just don’t think you’re going to wake up and hear four people have been shot,” said Jennifer Lanham, manager of a local Exxon station.
She recalled how one of her employees was instructed by police to close the station and go home. On Monday, law enforcement returned to the house in hazmat suits and removed several items, including multiple rifles. Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
“What could have happened to create such a situation that they felt this was necessary to do what happened?” Lanham wondered. “It’s a lot to try to absorb. As a community, we are heartbroken. Just absolutely heartbroken.”