A 34-year-old mother was fatally shot during a custody exchange in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 26 after arriving to pick up her three children following a Christmas visit. The 45-year-old father allegedly shot the mother and then himself; he is hospitalized in critical condition and could face charges if he recovers. The children, ages six, four and one, witnessed the shooting from a nearby vehicle and have been reunited with family. Police confirmed a custody order was in effect and said the investigation is ongoing.
Mother Killed During Custody Exchange After Children's Christmas Visit; Father Hospitalized
6abc Philadelphia/YouTubeScene of the shooting in Pennsylvania
A 34-year-old mother was fatally shot during a custody exchange in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 26 after picking up her three children following a Christmas visit with their father, authorities said.
Incident Details
Shortly before noon, the woman arrived at a residence to collect the children she shares with a 45-year-old man. According to police and local media, the pair began arguing during the exchange and the man allegedly shot the mother before turning the gun on himself. The children — ages six, four and one — were seated in a vehicle nearby and witnessed the shooting.
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Response and Investigation
Responding officers found the woman seated in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound. First responders removed her from the vehicle to perform life-saving measures, but she died at the scene. The children's father was located on a nearby sidewalk with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt of the Upper Darby Township Police confirmed a custody order was in place at the time of the incident and said the children had been visiting their father for the Christmas holiday. "Those children will live with this trauma for the rest of their lives. There is no excuse for this kind of violence, and the damage it causes is permanent," he said.
Bernhardt: "Please keep the children, the responding officers and the surviving family in your thoughts and prayers."
Police said the father could face charges if he recovers. The investigation is ongoing and authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Upper Darby Township Police. All three children have been reunited with family members and are being supported by relatives and investigators.
What We Know
- Date: Dec. 26 - Location: Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania - Victim: 34-year-old mother (name not released) - Suspect: 45-year-old father (name not released); currently hospitalized in critical condition - Children: Ages 6, 4 and 1; witnessed the incident and are now with family - A custody order was active at the time of the exchange
