Mt. Lebanon community encouraged to put up Christmas lights early to honor 3 killed in murder-suicide
With a master's degree in Education Journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Eric Thompson has spent 4 years covering the education system in Pittsburgh. His prior experience includes stints at local education-focused publications where he reported on policy changes and community concerns surrounding schools.
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The Mt. Lebanon community remains in mourning after the sudden deaths of two children and their father in a murder-suicide.Loved ones, friends, and strangers are doing what they can to show their support for the children's mother. At Carla Shinners' home, bright lights twinkle from trees in a display honoring the young lives cut short."It's heartbreaking and devastating," Shinners said.Authorities said 42-year-old Patrick Lynch, 8-year-old James Lynch and 6-year-old Caroline Lynch died in a murder-suicide on Tuesday in the township. Days later, the tight-knit community came together as the children's mother, Anna, asked people to put up their Christmas decorations early."Christmas lights bring joy to people. It lights things up," Shinners said.It was an easy decision for Shinners, who hung strands of light with custom colors. She chose white for purity, gold or eternal life, and purple for dignity."It's a call to action, something you can do, something in a time where you feel hopeless