A Loving Family, Two Sweet Kids—And a Tragedy That Stunned Everyone!

A family of four, including two young children, was found dead inside their Pennsylvania home in what police are calling an “unimaginable” act.

Pennsylvania State Police said they responded to a home in rural Ruffs Dale on Friday and found Paul Swarner, 35, his wife, Karen Swarner, 32, and their two children—five-year-old Evelyn and one-year-old Connor—dead in the same room, WTAE reports.

Each family member had died from a gunshot wound. Police found a Ruger .22 gun at the scene and now believe that Paul shot and killed his wife and children before turning the gun on himself, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The couple had been married for nearly 10 years, and police said they had no history of domestic violence at their home.

“They seemed to have good jobs,” Trooper Steve Limani said at a news conference. “Their home was the perfect family home. There were toys for the kids.

“It looked like a very loving household, with pictures and everything you would expect to see in a home,” he continued, calling the crime “unthinkable” and “unimaginable.”

“To be honest, I don’t have the words to describe how awful this is,” Limani said.

Police believe Paul Swarner, 35, shot his wife and children before taking his own life.

“You’re talking about a wife, but also a five-year-old and a one-year-old. It’s just heartbreaking.”

“It’s hard enough for a police officer to see something like this, so I can’t even imagine what their family is going through.”

Police have not yet determined a motive for the murder-suicide, but Limani said family members became concerned when they couldn’t reach them.

The last time anyone spoke to a family member was when Karen talked to someone on Wednesday afternoon.

“There was no sign of trouble, no arguments, no warning signs,” Limani said. “It was just a normal conversation.”

But when Paul’s father tried to call the family the next day and got no response, he became worried.

“They were the kind of family that always kept in touch with each other,” the trooper explained.

Karen’s father was the one who finally called the police at around 11:30 p.m.

Karen and Paul had been married for almost 10 years, and the reason for the shooting is still unknown.

Police were first called to the home late Thursday night.

State police have searched the family’s home and are reviewing their electronic devices to find any clues about what may have led to the tragedy.

The shocking event has left friends and neighbors in disbelief. A friend of Paul’s told Trib Live that Karen “was always cheerful” and that both parents seemed very loving.

He explained that Paul often traveled for work in the oil and gas industry, while Karen worked as a physician assistant and cared for the children while he was away.

Dick Shawley, a neighbor, told WTAE that he didn’t know the family well, but he was always available if they needed help.

He remembered giving the children Christmas presents just last month.

“They were always full of energy and happy,” Shawley said.

“I dressed up as Santa for them, and now I’ll never forget this news,” he said about the family’s tragic death.

“It’s just heartbreaking. They were such precious lives.”

Police are asking any friends, family, or community members who may have information about the case to contact Pennsylvania State Police.

“Our hearts go out to the families, and this is tough on law enforcement too,” Limani said. “We’re doing everything we can to figure out why this happened.”