Classmates hold vigil for Shaler Twp. teen shot to death by father

PITTSBURGH — Classmates of a Shaler Township 19-year-old held a vigil on Sunday to remember the girl they said was outgoing and popular.

“Laurin Edwards was, by far, one of the most out going, social human beings I had ever met,” said one classmate. “She had a ton of friends. She had a sorority of sisters that will greatly miss her and a ton of friends that she’s touched so much.”

Police said Edwards was shot and killed inside of her parents’ home Thursday morning by her father, James Edwards. Laurin’s mother and brother were also shot, and are fighting for their lives inside of a local hospital.

Investigators said James Edwards went room-to-room shooting his family members and dog, before shooting and killing himself.

Friends said Laurin was about to go back to college at St. Francis University before she was killed. Family members said she had just celebrated her 19^th birthday and was attending school to be a physician's assistant.

“She’s somebody the school needed to bring some brightness, bring some happiness to the school. She’s somebody that won’t ever be replaced,” another classmate said.

Channel 11 News has learned that James Edwards was suspended from his job at the airport before the shooting, but the motive remains unclear.

Jimmy and Charlene Edwards are expected to survive.

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.

WPXI