Tragedy Strikes East Lansdowne: Remains of Family and Suspected Gunman Recovered from Burned Home
In a devastating incident that has left the community of East Lansdowne in shock and mourning, the remains of a Delaware County family and a suspected gunman have been recovered from the charred wreckage of their home. The house, located in East Lansdowne, burst into flames two days ago, and authorities have spent the past few days sifting through the debris to piece together the events that led to this horrific incident.
Responding to reports of a child shot, officers from the East Lansdowne Police Department arrived at the scene on Wednesday afternoon only to be met with gunfire. Two officers, Officer David Schizza and Officer John Meehan, were struck by bullets but managed to be dragged to safety by their fellow officers. Both officers were rushed to Penn Presbyterian Hospital for treatment of their non-fatal gunshot wounds. Officer Meehan underwent a lengthy surgery to treat his injuries.
As investigators combed through the wreckage, they made a grim discovery. On Thursday, the remains of three people were found amidst the charred debris, along with a rifle believed to have been used by the shooter to fire at the police officers. The following day, three more sets of remains were recovered, bringing the total number of victims to six. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer confirmed that they believe everyone is now accounted for, but the official cause of death is yet to be determined. However, investigators suspect that the victims were shot by another family member before the house was set ablaze.
The house belonged to the Le family, and it is believed that three adults and three children were present during the tragic event. The suspected gunman has been identified as Canh Le, who is believed to have lived in the house with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, and their three children. Records show that Canh Le had previously served community service for a 2006 charge of making terroristic threats, but authorities are still unsure of what triggered the shooting.
The victims have been identified as Xuong Le, 40, his wife Britni McLaughlin Le, 37, and their children NaTalya, 17, NaKayla, 13, and Xavier, 10. The children were students in the William Penn School District, and the community is reeling from the loss of these young lives. Pennsylvania Senator Timothy Kearney has described the deadly fire as a “tragedy,” echoing the sentiments of the entire community.
As investigators conclude their search for remains, attention now turns to the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office, where the causes of death will be determined. The medical examiner will assess whether the victims died from gunfire or from smoke inhalation and burns. Once this process is complete, the property will be turned over to East Lansdowne Township to demolish what remains of the charred home.
The impact of this tragedy is palpable not only within the community but also among friends and classmates of the Le family. Fellow students at the William Penn School District are grieving the loss of their classmates, with one student, Faheem Ford, expressing disbelief and sadness over the loss of his friend NaKayla. The community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time, with local dance studios paying tribute to the Le family and friends leaving balloons and heartfelt messages at the scene of the tragedy.
The sole survivors of this devastating event are the parents of both the victims and the suspected gunman. They have lost everything they held dear—their loved ones and their home. The pain and trauma they are enduring is unimaginable, and the community is rallying around them to offer support and solace during this dark time.
In a statement issued by the McLaughlin Family, the victims’ extended family expressed their heartbreak and pledged to preserve the memories and legacies of their loved ones. They expressed gratitude for the thoughts, prayers, and condolences received from the community and requested privacy as they navigate through this profound loss.
As East Lansdowne begins the healing process, it is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. The community will need time to recover from this tragedy, but with unity, support, and resilience, East Lansdowne will find a way to heal and honor the memory of the Le family and their beloved friends.
