The dead bodies of 35-year-old Paul Swarner, his 32-year-old wife Karen, and their two young children- Connor, 1, and Evelyn, 5 were discovered in their Hempfield Township home on the morning of January 24.
According to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s office and police reports, investigators believe that Paul Swarner shot and killed his wife and children before taking his own life.
Highlights
- Karen’s father went to check on them and sadly found his daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law all deceased.
- Dick Shawley, a neighbor of the Swarner family, said he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary at the house until the police presence in the usually quiet neighborhood.
- Shawley remembered giving gifts to the family’s two children at Christmas and playing Santa for them.
Trooper Steve Limani from the Pennsylvania State Police described the situation as heartbreaking and unimaginable, especially considering the ages of the children, aged 5 and 1.
Karen’s friend, Liz Metzler, expressed deep sadness over her passing, remembering Karen as intelligent, kind, and with an incredible batting swing.
They fondly recalled playing softball together during their youth.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Karen was a passionate sports fan, mainly supporting the Penguins each season.
Outside of work, she enjoyed watching college softball, having played it herself. Karen loved skiing and cherished spending time with her family and friends.
Paul Swarner And Karen Swarner Were Married For Decade Before The Murder-Suicide Incident
The last person to interact with the family regularly conversed with Karen on 22nd January.
There were no signs of tension or concerns about the family’s safety or well-being.
The family stayed in close touch with their extended relatives, so worry began to set in when they hadn’t heard from Karen during the day.
Her father went to check on them and sadly found his daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law all deceased.
Authorities later confirmed that they found a Ruger .22 firearm at the scene, which they believe was the weapon used in the incident.
When asked about a possible motive, the cop explained that investigators were looking into any potential clues.
They reviewed a baby camera to see if any events could have triggered Paul’s actions. He emphasized that there was no history of domestic violence involving the family and the state police.
They also mentioned that the couple had been married for about a decade.
They had what appeared to be an “all-American family.” He described their home as one filled with love. It had pictures and belongings that hinted at a happy, typical household.
Similarly, Dick Shawley, a neighbor of the Swarner family, said he didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary at the house until the police presence in the usually quiet neighborhood.
He expressed deep sorrow, saying that although he wasn’t family, he always tried to offer help when needed.
Shawley remembered giving gifts to the family’s two children at Christmas and playing Santa for them.
The neighbor described the children as lively, joyful, and energetic. He said the tragic event would stay with him forever, leaving him shaken by the loss and the preciousness of life.
Additional Information
- Karen Swarner was a dedicated Physician Assistant who completed her undergraduate studies at California University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor’s in Biology in 2014.
- She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Seton Hill University in 2017.
- Karen was an active member of several professional organizations, including the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American Academy of Surgical Physician Assistants.
