Police say the children’s deaths were homicides after the family was found outside a municipal parking garage in Mt. Lebanon.
MT. LEBANON, Pa. — A 42-year-old father and his two young children died outside a municipal parking garage in suburban Pittsburgh on Nov. 3 in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide, police and local officials said.
Patrick Lynch and his children, 8-year-old James Lynch and 6-year-old Caroline Lynch, were found near the parking garage in the 700 block of Washington Road shortly after 4 p.m. Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures before all three were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said their injuries were consistent with an apparent fall.
Investigators with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department and Allegheny County Police Department determined that the deaths were not accidental. Authorities later classified the deaths of James and Caroline as homicides. Police said preliminary findings indicated a murder-suicide and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Local reporting citing Allegheny County police said investigators believe Patrick Lynch caused the children to fall from the garage before he also fell to his death. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed account of the moments leading up to the deaths or identified a motive.
The children’s mother, Anna DeMase Lynch, later wrote on social media that her husband had been struggling with depression after losing his data-science job in August. She said he had agreed to seek professional help and had an appointment with a therapist scheduled for Nov. 4, the day after the deaths. Her account describes the family’s circumstances before the killings, but police have not publicly linked his reported depression or job loss to a motive.
The deaths brought an immediate response from the Mt. Lebanon School District. Markham and Washington elementary schools were closed Nov. 4, and the district offered counseling and other support to students and staff. Families with children at other district schools were also told they could keep students home with excused absences if they were affected by the deaths.
Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman said the case would have a significant emotional effect on the community, including first responders. Residents began leaving flowers and other tributes as the community mourned the children, and local gatherings were organized to remember them and support their family.
Caroline had Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition her family had previously discussed publicly while seeking support and raising awareness. Organizations and community members who knew her shared condolences after her death. Friends and acquaintances also remembered James and Caroline as the focus of vigils and memorials in the days following the killings.
Police have continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the deaths. As of Nov. 5, authorities had not announced a motive or released a complete public timeline explaining what happened before the family reached the parking garage.
Author note: Last updated November 5, 2026.