Current:Home > InvestIndexbit Exchange:Investigators focus on suspect in Philadelphia area fire and shooting that left 6 dead, 2 hurt -AssetLink
Indexbit Exchange:Investigators focus on suspect in Philadelphia area fire and shooting that left 6 dead, 2 hurt
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-11 09:37:13
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Authorities suspect that family members who died in a fire outside Philadelphia were killed by a relative who also shot and Indexbit Exchangewounded two police officers, a prosecutor said Friday.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said at a news conference that six sets of remains have been recovered from the ashes of a fire that destroyed the home in East Lansdowne on Wednesday.
He said Canh Le, 43, is believed to have killed his niece and probably killed the others as well, and that Le also died.
“Our assumption is that they were shot by gunfire and then there was a fire set, but we have no idea whether or not that’s true,” he said.
Gunfire could be heard during a 911 call, and Stollsteimer said Le’s mother told authorities he shot one of her grandchildren. Le’s mother escaped the house to seek safety and summon help.
He said surviving family members have been in shock, and no motive has been identified.
“They don’t really have any idea, he just went haywire,” he said.
Margie McAboy, spokeswoman for the Delaware County district attorney’s office, confirmed the victims are believed to be Canh Le’s brother, Xuong Le, 40; Xuong Le’s wife, Britni McLaughlin Le, 37; and the couple’s three children.
Stollsteimer said remains believed to be Canh Le’s were found near a gun that was also recovered from the fire remnants.
Court records show that Canh Le was arrested in 2006 in Delaware County and charged with making terroristic threats, trespassing and disorderly conduct. Details of the incident were not immediately available, but the first charge was later dropped and he was put in a diversion program on the two lesser charges, leading him to serve 32 hours of community service and pay $1,400 in fines during a year of probation.
Authorities say police encountered gunfire as they responded to a call for a child — eventually identified as the niece — who was shot Wednesday afternoon at the home. The structure went up in flames as two police officers were shot and injured.
Lansdowne Officer David Schiazza, 54, was released from a hospital on Thursday after being treated for a leg wound. McAboy said the other wounded officer, 44-year-old John Meehan of the East Lansdowne department, was likely to be discharged after surgery for an arm wound.
Stollsteimer has said officers from Upper Darby saved the lives of the two wounded officers by dragging them to safety.
East Lansdowne is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of downtown Philadelphia.
___
Scolforo reported from Harrisburg.
veryGood! (69)
Related
- A Georgia governor’s latest work after politics: a children’s book on his cats ‘Veto’ and ‘Bill’
- Judge gives preliminary approval for NCAA settlement allowing revenue-sharing with athletes
- While Alabama fans grieve on Paul Finebaum Show, Kalen DeBoer enjoys path to recovery
- Is Your Company Losing Money Due to Climate Change? Consider Moving to the Midwest, Survey Says
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- The cumulative stress of policing has public safety consequences for law enforcement officers, too
- Tarik Skubal turning in one of Detroit Tigers' most dominant postseasons ever
- Should you give your dog gluten-free food? How to tell if pup has an intolerance.
- Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
- This Montana Senate candidate said his opponent ate ‘lobbyist steak.’ But he lobbied—with steak
Ranking
- NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
- Cissy Houston, gospel singer and mother of pop icon Whitney Houston, dies at 91
- Reese Witherspoon Reveals Where Big Little Lies Season 3 Really Stands
- FEMA administrator continues pushback against false claims as Helene death toll hits 230
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- A driver’s test for autonomous vehicles? A leading expert says US should have one
- Appeals Court Hears Arguments in Case Claiming Environmental Racism in Cancer Alley Zoning
- Taylor Swift Celebrates Chiefs’ “Perfect” Win While Supporting Travis Kelce During Game
Recommendation
'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
Coyote calling contests: Nevada’s search for a compromise that likely doesn’t exist
Kanye West and Wife Bianca Censori Step Out Together Amid Breakup Rumors
6-year-old dies after stepfather allegedly beat him with baseball bat
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
From Snapchat to YouTube, here's how to monitor and protect your kids online
Daniel Craig opens up about his 'beautiful,' explicit gay romance 'Queer'
Las Vegas will blow a kiss goodbye — literally — to the Tropicana with a flashy casino implosion