Murder-suicide ruled in shootings that claimed 85-year-old Irwin couple
An 85-year-old man fatally shot his 85-year-old wife at their Irwin home Wednesday or Thursday before shooting himself in a murder-suicide, according to authorities.
Joan I. Agnew died of multiple gunshot wounds, and Thomas I. Agnew died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at their Highland Avenue residence, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Kenneth A. Bacha.
He said the couple was discovered inside the home shortly before noon by a caretaker. They were dead at the scene.
It wasn’t clear what may have motivated the shootings. Irwin police, who are investigating, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Ott Funeral Home of Irwin is in charge of arrangements for the couple.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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