Father Kill Sons, Self In Pennsylvania During Custody Altercation In Pa.: A father-killed his two-year-old-son and then suicide in Pennsylvania during a change of custody.
Police said Kenneth Ayers also shot his mother during the altercation Saturday morning at his home in a rural area about 20 miles southwest of State College.
The District Attorney George Zanic Huntingdon County said Ayers who was 52 years old, was the subject of an order of protection against abuse by his wife but was allowed visitation with his son, Michael.
Kenneth Ayers shot his estranged wife multiple times, killed her two-year-old son Michael, and then took his own life. The woman, Hollie Ayers, is expected to survive.
Ayers killed his son and injured his wife. He also reportedly shot his mother before fleeing the scene in his truck. Officers found him dead in the truck several hours later.
The District Attorney George Zanic Huntingdon County said: “Words can not describe the scene – heartbreaking”.
Zanic said Kenneth was under a protective order-of-abuse that prohibit you from making contact with his wife. The man of 56 years old, was allowed supervised visits with her son once a week at his mother’s house.
Kenneth Ayers body was found hours later in his truck parked in a wooded area in Warriors Mark Township. Investigators said she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Hollie Jo Ayers was taken to a hospital and expected to survive, police said.
State police Cpl. Daniel Sneath said investigators are trying to determine what led to the shooting and why Ayers was carrying a firearm despite the protective order.
The autopsy also be carried out to see if Ayers was using drugs or alcohol at the time of the shooting.
Police also seek an autopsy to determine if Kenneth Ayers was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.