EAST LANSDOWNE, PA – A traumatic incident of gunfire and arson has claimed the lives of six members of a local family in East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. The six individuals were living in a house on Lewis Avenue where the horrifying incident unfolded and are believed to have perished. Among these family members is the suspected gunman, identified by his mother as Canh Le, age 43.
Apart from the disturbance caused within the community, two police officers were also shot during the confrontation. However, both officers survived and were discharged from the hospital. While Delaware County’s District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer applauded the bravery of the police, he rightly termed the incident an “unspeakable tragedy.”
The recovery operation led to the extraction of three bodies on Thursday and, later, three additional remains on Friday. Additionally, a gun was found on the rubble of the burned house. The identities of the recovered bodies are yet to be revealed as authorities wait for forensic confirmation via upcoming autopsies.
However, the deceased members of the family include Canh Le, Xuong Le, Britni McLaughlin-Le, and their children NaKayla, NaTayla, and Xavier, aged 13, 17, and 10, respectively.
The house where the incident occurred has been reduced to ruins by the fire. The investigation and recovery process is an onerous and lengthy one. Rescue teams and officials had to sift through charred debris in an effort to recover bodies and evidence.
Wednesday’s nightmare was set off by a 911 call reporting a child had been shot. This was followed by Canh Le, the alleged gunman, opening fire on police before setting the house ablaze. Although all six bodies have been recovered, bystanders were cautioned that the place would be demolished.
This harrowing event has had a severe impact on the local community and the families involved are requesting privacy at this difficult time. However, it goes without saying that the hearts of the entire region are with the victims and their families as they experience their devastating grief and loss.