- Freddie Simmons, of Pennsylvania, shot his niece multiple times before turning gun on himself Friday night
- Police later found a suicide note written by Simmons, saying he was taking his niece with him
- The 16-year-old lived with Simmons and other family members near Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
Authorities in Pennsylvania are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in which a 63-year-old man killed a 16-year-old girl believed to be his niece before turning the gun on himself last week.
The bodies of Freddie Simmons and the teenager were found at around 8.30pm on Friday when Pocono Mountain Regional police went to his home in the 100 block of Poplar Place in Coolbaugh Township, just outside Tobyhanna.
Investigators say Simmons and the girl lived in the residence with other family members, who were present during the murder-suicide. Some of them later ran next door to summon help.
Murder-suicide: Police say 63-year-old Freddie Simmons (left and right) on Friday shot and killed his 16-year-old niece before turning the gun on himself
Crime scene: Police responded to Simmons’ home outside Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania (pictured) and found the man and the teen dead in the same room
Police who responded to the scene found a note allegedly written by Simmons, saying he was going to kill himself and take the girl with him, reported Pocono Record. Their bodies were found in the same room.
The 16-year-old had been shot multiple times while Simmons had a single gunshot wound to the head that was self-inflicted.
The girl’s name has not been released. As of Tuesday morning, there was no word on a possible motive.
Neighbor Harold Dover told the station WNEP that Simmons was married, but his wife was out of town.
Final letter: Police found a note allegedly written by Simmons (pictured), saying he was going to kill himself and take the girl with him
Simmons lived in this house with his niece and other family members, some of whom were present during the murder-suicide
Social media posts suggest Simmons’ widow is a pastor and the couple have two grown children, a son and daughter.
The Pocono Mountain School District has revealed in a press release that Simmons’ slain niece was a student at Agora Cyber Charter School.
Those who knew the family told the station WFMZ they were peaceful and good people.