Surviving family members of Shaler shooting talk to Channel 11

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — For the first time and in an exclusive interview, a Shaler Township family is talking about a tragedy at their Winterset Drive home in August.

Police said James Edwards fatally shot his 19-year-old daughter, Laurin, and critically wounded his wife, Charlene, and 21-year-old son, Jimmy, before killing himself. Edwards also shot and killed the family's dog.

“For us to make it through what we went through, it’s by the faith of God that we’ve gotten here,” Charlene Edwards said. “We definitely wouldn’t have been here if it was just one of us. We’re pretty lucky to have each other."

Not a day goes by that Charlene Edwards said she doesn’t miss her daughter.

“She was very special, and I’m glad I had that time with her. I’m just selfish because I miss her, and I want to be with her, but I know that she’s still with me. She’s watching over me. She’s my angel, and I’m thankful for that,” she said.

After Charlene Edwards was told her of her daughter’s death, doctors said they didn’t think her son would survive.

“When you lose a child, it's really rough. My daughter and I were extremely, extremely close and it was hard, and your faith gets you through it. God lets you know that he's there and he's going to help you,” Charlene Edwards said.

Jimmy Edwards pulled through, and Charlene Edwards credits the healing power of prayer.

“I’m just working to get my hand back and have full movement. The one finger is having a problem, but it’s nothing too serious,” said Jimmy Edwards.

Charlene and Jimmy Edwards said they’re slowly putting their lives back together. One thing they never questioned was whether to move back into their home.

“This is my home. My daughter was born and raised here. I couldn’t leave. If I would go somewhere, I would leave all her memories behind,” said Charlene Edwards. "I can't take 19 years of a good life over one bad moment. It was a bad moment.”

The Edwards just got a new addition to their home -- a dog, Sadie.

The Edwards thank their friends, family and the public for their support.

“We’re so thankful for all of your prayers, all of the contributions you’ve made to my daughter and to my son. It’s huge,” said Charlene Edwards.

Laurin’s organs were donated, and Charlene and Jimmy wear blue bracelets in her honor. They said they’re both healing one day at a time.

“If you’re wondering how we’re really doing, just stop by. Honestly, the door’s open 24/7,” Charlene Edwards said.

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Edwards family will be held Saturday at the Cherry City Fire Hall from 4-7 p.m. The hall is located on Davis Avenue.

Donations are also accepted at First Commonwealth Banks. Checks should be made payable to the Edwards Family Fund.

Jimmy Edwards plans to head back to Duquesne University’s pharmacy school next semester.

Laurin Edwards went to St. Francis University.

"I'm thankful she had a good life, it just wasn't long enough, that's the sad part,” Charlene Edwards said.

A motive for the shooting remains unknown.

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