2 children and father fall to deaths in Pennsylvania in apparent murder-suicide

A Pennsylvania dad and his two children fell to their deaths on Election Day in what police suspect was a double murder-suicide.

Their bodies were found a little after 4 p.m. Tuesday behind the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building and near a neighboring parking garage, the Allegheny County Police Department said in a statement.

“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.”

The dead were identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office as Patrick Lynch, 42; James Lynch, 8; and Caroline Lynch; 6. All three lived in Mt. Lebanon.

“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 said at a press conference Tuesday “we’re treating this incident not as an accident.”

“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 divulged any details about what may have led to the deaths.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For additional resources, visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.