A family of four died in Pittsburgh when the eldest son reportedly went on a shooting spree inside their home before killing himself.
Police discovered the awful scene after receiving a 911 call on Sunday evening. When police arrived shortly after 8:30 p.m., they discovered Clifford Hunt Sr. and Michelle Hunt, 51 and 48, both dead from gunshot wounds to the head, according to KDKA News. Their adolescent children, Clifford Jr. and Cody, suffered head wounds and were barely alive. Both died subsequently.
Clifford Jr., the eldest son, is believed by police to have slain the family before shooting himself. According to WPXI News 11, authorities believe Cody, 16, abandoned a 911 call during the incident.
“At this stage, it does look like the older son, Clifford Jr., may have been the last one alive. There were several weapons were 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,” Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible told KDKA.
“It’s not only one tragedy, but it’s four all at the same time, and I can’t imagine how many lives are ruined over this,” Autumn Ashurst, who had delivered a family of ducks to Michelle just hours prior to the shootings, told WPXI. “It’s insane.”
The family has created a GoFundMe account. “We have found placement for all farm animals and our main focus now is helping the parents of Michelle and Bill offset the cost of 4 funerals,” according to the article.
According to WTAE, the Riverside School District sent the following statement to district families about Cody Hunt:
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that RHS student Cody Hunt passed away in an incident that occurred Sunday night. Cody, a dedicated Junior at Riverside High School, was a member of the National Honor Society. He played the saxophone in the school’s Marching Band and was passionate about aviation and history. Eager to serve his country, Cody planned to apply to the United States Air Force Academy. 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.
Throughout the week, the District has made all Riverside counselors available for student and staff needs, and the Beaver County Prevention Network and Hope Therapy dogs will be available in the High School.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cody’s family, friends, and educators. On behalf of Riverside Beaver County School District, we express our deepest condolences and offer unwavering support to those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”