Police say Patrick Lynch and his children, James and Caroline, died in a murder-suicide outside a municipal parking garage.
MT. LEBANON, Pa. — A 42-year-old father and his two young children died Tuesday outside a parking garage in suburban Pittsburgh in what police have determined was a murder-suicide, authorities said.
Patrick Lynch and his children, 8-year-old James Lynch and 6-year-old Caroline Lynch, were found near the municipal parking garage in the 700 block of Washington Road shortly after 4 p.m. Nov. 3. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but all three were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said investigators determined the deaths were not accidental and that there was no continuing threat to the community.
Authorities said the children died after falling from the garage and that their father also died in the incident. Subsequent medical examiner findings classified the children’s deaths as homicides, according to news reports. Police have not publicly identified a motive or released a detailed account explaining what led to the deaths. Investigators from Mt. Lebanon police and Allegheny County police have continued reviewing the circumstances.
The deaths immediately affected schools and child care programs in the close-knit community south of Pittsburgh. Markham Elementary School, Washington Elementary School and Honey Bee Haven day care closed Wednesday. The Mt. Lebanon School District said it was deeply saddened by the deaths and made counseling and other support available to students and staff. Families at other district schools were also allowed to keep children home with excused absences.
Members of the community began leaving flowers and other tributes near the site as news of the deaths spread. A prayer service was held Wednesday at St. Bernard Church, where residents gathered to remember the children and support the family. People who knew Caroline through swimming lessons described her to local media as joyful, friendly and enthusiastic. Another community vigil was scheduled for Thursday evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
The children’s mother, Anna DeMase Lynch, later wrote publicly that her husband had been struggling with depression after losing his data-science job in August, according to reports that reviewed her statement. She said he had agreed to see a therapist and had an appointment scheduled for Nov. 4, one day after the deaths. Police, however, have not announced a motive, and her account of his mental health does not establish why the killings occurred.
Anna Lynch described her husband as a previously attentive and loving father while mourning the loss of James and Caroline. Her comments reflected the family’s personal experience before the deaths, but authorities have not publicly connected his employment situation or reported depression to a specific motive. Investigators have released few details about what happened in the period immediately before the family reached the parking garage.
Caroline had Williams syndrome, a genetic condition, as well as other health challenges that her family had discussed publicly before her death. Her mother had previously spoken about raising a child with a disability and helping other families find support. Community organizations that knew Caroline have since shared condolences and memories of the 6-year-old.
Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman said the deaths would have a broad emotional effect on the community and on first responders who went to the scene. The municipality and school district have focused on counseling and grief support as residents mourn James and Caroline. Police have said there is no danger to the public connected to the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events and determine what preceded the deaths. As of Thursday, police had not announced a motive or released additional findings explaining why Patrick Lynch killed his children and died by suicide.
Author note: Last updated November 5, 2026.