‘He just mentally snapped': Family members try to make sense of Shaler shooting

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — More questions than answers remain after police said a Shaler Township man opened fire on his entire family, killing his 19-year-old daughter and critically injuring his wife and son before killing himself last week.

Members of the Edwards family said they are still trying to understand why James Edwards would want to kill his family and self.

Investigators said Edwards went room-to-room shooting his wife Charlene, son Jimmy and daughter Laurin. Police said he also killed the family dog before fatally shooting himself at their Winterset Drive home.

Charlene Edwards’ daughter from another marriage spoke to Channel 11 News. She said her stepfather was worried about being suspended from his job and his family’s financial stability.

“I honestly, in my heart believe, that he just mentally snapped and thought it was the best way to take care of his family,” Tracy Mormur said.

James Edwards worked at Pittsburgh International Airport, where a spokeswoman refused to release additional information citing "personnel matters."

The Allegheny County Airport Authority, which runs the facility, issued a statement expressing sympathy for Edwards' family, and praying for his wife and son's recovery.

Charlene and Jimmy Edwards remain in Allegheny General Hospital in fair condition.

“They’re walking and talking. They both are aware of what happened to them,” Mormur said. “She [Charlene] is fighting her love and hate for him because he killed her daughter. She is struggling with forgiving him.”

A fund has been set up for the family to help with funeral costs and medical expenses. Donations can be made to the Edwards Family Fund at any First Commonwealth Bank branch.

Related stories:

• Motive unkown after police say father shot wife, kids, self in Shaler Twp. 
• Classmates hold vigil for teen killed by father in Shaler Twp. home

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