– Investigators suspect Philadelphia area fire and shooting
– Philadelphia area fire and shooting investigation.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Family Members Suspected to Have Been Killed by Relative in Tragic Philadelphia Fire

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Delaware County suspect that a family tragically killed in a fire outside Philadelphia may have been targeted by a relative who also shot and wounded two police officers. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer revealed this shocking information at a news conference on Friday.

The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday when a fire destroyed a home in East Lansdowne. Six sets of remains have been recovered from the ashes, and the authorities believe that Canh Le, 43, is responsible for the killings. Le is also among the deceased.

While the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, Stollsteimer stated, “Our assumption is that they were shot by gunfire and then there was a fire set, but we have no idea whether or not that’s true.”

Gunfire was heard during a 911 call, and Le’s mother informed authorities that he had shot one of her grandchildren. She managed to escape the house and seek help. The surviving family members are in a state of shock, and no motive has been established for the tragic incident.

According to Margie McAboy, spokeswoman for the Delaware County district attorney’s office, the victims are believed to be Canh Le’s brother, Xuong Le, 40; Xuong Le’s wife, Britni McLaughlin Le, 37; and the couple’s three children.

Authorities found Canh Le’s remains near a gun, which was also recovered from the fire remnants. Court records indicate that Le had a previous run-in with the law in 2006. He was arrested in Delaware County and faced charges of making terroristic threats, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. While the first charge was dropped, he was placed in a diversion program and served probation along with community service and fines.

The incident unfolded when police responded to a call involving a child, later identified as the niece, who had been shot at the residence. As the officers arrived, the structure burst into flames, and two officers were injured by gunfire.

Lansdowne Officer David Schiazza, 54, was released from the hospital on Thursday after receiving treatment for a leg wound. McAboy stated that the other wounded officer, 44-year-old John Meehan from the East Lansdowne department, is expected to be discharged soon after undergoing surgery for an arm wound.

Stollsteimer commended officers from Upper Darby for their heroic actions in saving the injured officers’ lives by pulling them to safety.

East Lansdowne is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of downtown Philadelphia.

Reporting by Marc Levy from Harrisburg.

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– Investigators focus on suspect in Philadelphia area fire and shooting
– Suspect in Philadelphia area fire and shooting investigation.