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Man, woman dead inside South Hills home after murder-suicide

UPPER ST. CLAIR, Pa. — A man and woman were found dead inside an Upper Saint Clair home after a murder-suicide, according to police.

Detectives said around 10 a.m., police received a call from a 67-year-old man who lived in the 100 block of Thousand Oaks Drive saying that he had just killed his wife. The man said he intended to kill himself.

Police units and a SWAT team rushed to the home, entered and found the man, John Happel, and his 54-year-old wife, Niki Happel, dead.

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Investigators learned the couple was recently having issues, and the woman returned to the home to get some of her things when she was shot and killed. Officers at the scene did not report hearing any gunshots. They believe the man killed himself shortly after he called police.

“I think anybody would be concerned with this type of activity. But, I would say the way the police conducted themselves was very impressive and very professional,” said Rich Benonis, who lives nearby.

Neighbors said they were both shocked and concerned with the scene that played out in their sleepy neighborhood.

“It’s very unfortunate what unfolded and I feel horrible for the family,” Benonis said.