Sinking Spring >> Authorities in Berks County say a family of five – including three young children – is dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
The gruesome discovery was made Saturday afternoon when authorities responded to a Sinking Spring home to check on the family after the mother failed to show up for a lunch date.
The bodies of Mark Short Sr., 40, his wife Megan, 33, and their three children Lianna, 8, Mark, 5, and Willow, 2, were found in the living room by police approximately 2 p.m. The family dog was also found dead.
All died of gunshot wounds. A handgun was discovered near one of the deceased adults, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities did not reveal who they believe was the shooter.
“This is an apparent tragic domestic incident,” Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families at this difficult time. This investigation is ongoing.”
An autopsy for Mark Short was scheduled for Monday afternoon by Dr. Neil Hoffman. In addition, the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Unit is conducting forensic analysis of the physical evidence.
Sinking Spring Police responded to 51 Winding Brook Drive to check on the family after officers learned from a family member that Megan Short didn’t show up for a pre-arranged lunch date. The family member tried to call Megan on her cell and home phones before calling police. Prior to their arrival, officers learned that Megan lived at the home with her husband, and three children and there had been “domestic issues” between the couple, according to a press release issued by the Berks County D.A.
Upon arrival to the home, police tried to make contact with anyone inside but no one answered the door, so officers forced their way in and discovered the bodies.
Police said they also discovered a handwritten “murder-suicide” note.
Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives were contacted to investigate the incident with the assistance of Sinking Spring Borough and Spring Township Police, the release states.
At approximately 6:07 p.m., Deputy Corner/Investigator Joel Bonilla, Berks County Office of the Coroner, pronounced the aforementioned five individuals deceased.
At 7:15 p.m., detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence of 51 Winding Brook Drive. The warrant was issued by District Judge Victor M. Frederick IV.
The Short family was featured in news stories about their difficulties getting medication for their youngest daughter, Willow, who had a heart transplant, according to The Associated Press.
In an April 13 post on the Philly at Heart website, Megan Short wrote of her emotional struggles over her child’s condition.
When only days old, Willow had a heart transplant for a congenital defect. Her family was featured in newspaper articles last year about her condition and the Shorts’ difficulties obtaining anti-rejection medication for her.
In the post on the website devoted to families dealing with congenital heart issues, Megan Short said anxiety over her daughter’s condition had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder. She said she suffered from “anxiety and nightmares” triggered by smells, hallways or even the beeping sound of a phone. She also said she experienced “survivor’s guilt” when children with similar problems from other families passed away.
“I don’t think PTSD ever truly goes away but, with therapy, medication, and the right support, I have begun to loosen its grip on me,” she said. “As I work on my own mental healing, I wanted to share my experience so that other heart parents know they are not alone.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
