A murder-suicide in a small town leaves four families grieving: "Four tragedies in one go"

In what Pennsylvania officials are calling an apparent murder-suicide, two parents and their two teen children were shot and killed.

Nate Bible, Beaver County District Attorney, has labeled the incident a triple murder-suicide, although the investigation is still in its early stages.

On Sunday at around 8:30 p.m., the Pittsburgh suburb of North Sewickley experienced a shooting incident, prompting first responders to be called. The 911 call originated from within the home.

Upon the arrival of officers, the bodies of Clifford, 51, Michelle Hunt, 48, and their two teenage sons, Clifford Jr., 18, and his 16-year-old brother, were discovered in a grave state. The boys, who had both sustained gunshot wounds to their heads, were rushed to a Pittsburgh hospital but unfortunately passed away on Monday.

According to authorities, a preliminary investigation showed that Clifford Jr. fatally shot his parents and brother before taking his own life.

"It seems that Clifford Jr., the older son, may have been the last survivor. Several weapons were found at the scene, and we are currently investigating their use and the sequence of events that led to this outcome."

The homicides in the small town left residents stunned, with one person saying it was hard to comprehend the shootings.

One of Jennifer Lanham's employees informed her that the police had instructed them to shut down their store due to an abundance of caution after the incident.

Lanham stated to WTAE-TV that the community is very tight-knit and everyone looks out for one another. As a result, the tragedy that occurred is beyond compare.

"It's truly terrifying to comprehend the enormity of this situation, as it's a multiple homicide in a small town," she said to the outlet. "The likelihood of such an event occurring daily is extremely low, making it all the more astonishing."

Michelle's friend recalls her as a lover of animals.

"Autumn Ashurst told WTAE-TV that it is not just one tragedy, but four all happening at the same time. People are both desperate for answers and eager to help out."

The Air Heritage Aviation Museum in Beaver Falls will miss Michelle and Cody, who volunteered there and shared a love of aviation.

"Michelle and Cody were both passionate C-123K Fairchild Provider ‘Thunder Pig’ crew members who flew together on the aircraft to air shows and flyovers. They were proud of the fact that it is the last known C-123 still flying in the world and shared their love and knowledge of the aircraft with visitors during air shows."

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The Air Force dreamed of flying for Cody, who recently passed his pilot's license exams. Michelle was a dedicated volunteer who consistently arrived with a smile and eagerness to work.

"Michelle and Cody will be honored and memorialized at the museum, and their contributions and selfless service will be remembered by all who enter. May they both fly high on the wings of angels."

Riverside High School honored 11th-grader Cody by showcasing his passion for aviation, his role as a saxophonist in the school's marching band, and his kindness towards others in a statement released this week.

Cody was known for being kindhearted and helping others. Everyone at Riverside will miss him dearly.

The community pooled their efforts to cover the cost of four funerals for the family by launching a GoFundMe.

"Autumn Stang, the organizer of the GoFundMe, stated that the tragedy of the family of 4 from North Sewickley losing their lives has devastated the community."

The North Sewickley Police Department stated that the shooting was a "contained incident" and there was no danger to the public in a post following the incident.

The Air Heritage Aviation Museum and the Riverside Beaver County School District have been contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.