Father, 58, and Daughter, 21, Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide at Philadelphia Home

A family tragedy took place when a father and his adult daughter were found dead in Philadelphia following an apparent murder-suicide that took place at their home, according to police.

Police reported to the home in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, for a welfare check after loved ones reported that they had not recently heard from the father and daughter, the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed in a statement to Us.

Officers entered the home and located a 58-year-old man and his 21-year-old daughter, who were both found dead with gunshot wounds.

Inspector D.F. Pace said that investigators believe the shooting did not happen immediately before police reported to the home. “Based on what we found, it appears the incident, the shooting itself, may have occurred several days ago,” Pace said, according to ABC 6.

Investigators believe that the father shot his daughter before he turned the gun on himself. Both the father and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene around 2 p.m.

Authorities have not publicly revealed the identities of the father and daughter at this time. It’s also unclear if the family had a history of domestic issues or had called police to the residence on previous occasions.

“What might have motivated a father to turn the gun on his daughter and then on himself, it is still under investigation at this time,” Pace added.

Following the tragedy, several neighbors were left in shock over the murder-suicide.

“It’s shocking, surprising, very much so,” one neighbor told ABC 6.

The neighbor went on to share that nothing like a murder-suicide had ever happened in the neighborhood, which is a generally quiet place to live. “This little nook, this little area right here is very quiet, so very family oriented,” the neighbor said.

The investigation into the murder-suicide remains ongoing as police work to determine if there was a motive and what events may have led up to the killings. The Philadelphia Police Department had no additional updates to share when contacted by Us about the case.

As the investigation into the matter continues, authorities have asked that anyone with any information regarding the incident contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or anonymously online.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.