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Police release motive in Butler Co. murder-suicide

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Buffalo Township police sergeant said a man allegedly shot his ex-wife because he was upset she was going to start dating.

Authorities were called Thursday for the apparent murder-suicide in the Chesterfield Estates housing plan off Route 228. Officials identified the victims as Lee Ann Shultz Negley and Todd Negley.

Officials said Lee Ann Shultz Negley’s mother discovered the bodies when she went to the home to pick her daughter up for a doctor’s appointment.

Police said they believe Todd Negley was supposed to be returning their daughters to his ex-wife, but he instead fatally shot her then killed himself. The children were not at the home at the time of the shooting, police said.

Officials said they were familiar with the address and said Lee Ann Shultz Negley was a teacher with the Freeport Area School District and Todd Negley worked for Tudi Mechanical Services.

Authorities did tell Channel 11 protection from abuse orders had been filed before.

"For something this horrific to happen, it's rare. Freeport is a close-knot family. Everyone knows everyone. It's a hit to the heart almost," parent Jennifer Libengood said.