Son shoots father dead in Dunmore, Lackawanna DA says. Self-defense claim is probed.

The deceased brandished a gun at his family, the DA said. A shot rang out soon after.

DUNMORE, Pa. — A man killed his father Sunday in Lackawanna County and authorities are investigating whether it was done in self-defense, District Attorney Brian Gallagher said.

The deceased was identified as Frederick Zantowsky Jr., 47. He died at Geisinger Community Medical Center not long after he was wounded in a shooting at a home on the 400 block of Mortimer Street in Dunmore. Borough patrol officers responded there just after 8:30 p.m.

Zantowsky’s son, who was not publicly identified by the police, was interviewed by detective, cooperated and was released pending more investigation.

Gallagher said they are evaluating whether the shooter acted in self-defense.

Zantowsky showed signs of intoxication during a family gathering, brandished a gun and pointed it at his son and others in the family, including an 8-year-old boy, Gallagher said. 

“The deceased’s son fired his own weapon one time, striking the victim,” Gallagher said.

The authorities said they do not think the public is in any danger.

The Lackawanna County Coroner’s Office was working to determine the cause and manner of death.