JESSUP, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Authorities say a Jessup father and daughter found dead inside their home Monday were killed in a murder-suicide.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office identified the victims as 68-year-old Anthony Bruno and his 32-year-old daughter, Samantha Bruno.
The new details were released Wednesday during a news conference in Jessup, two days after police were called to the home on Lane Street for a welfare check. Authorities previously said both victims were found inside the second-floor master bedroom
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said investigators determined Samantha shot her father twice in the head, killing him, before killing the family dog and turning the firearm on herself.
Gallagher said investigators also found that Samantha had a history of addiction and mental illness.
“It’s important to remember that addiction and mental illness do not automatically make someone violent,” Gallagher said. “They should never be stigmatized in that way.”
But he said families need to take certain warning signs seriously, particularly when someone is experiencing an escalating crisis.
“When a person is experiencing a serious escalating crisis, particularly when they make threats, display dangerous behavior, express suicidal ideations or have access to firearms, we have to take those warning signs seriously,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher urged people who are concerned about a loved one not to remain silent or try to manage a potentially dangerous situation on their own.
“Do not attempt to handle a violent situation alone,” he said. “Reach out to law enforcement. Reach out to the medical professionals or one of the crisis response organizations that are littered throughout Lackawanna County.”
Jessup Police Chief Eddie Boettcher said police were dispatched to 367 Lane Street around 11:04 a.m. Monday after the family requested the welfare check.
Boettcher said Anthony, who operated a mechanic shop in Peckville, had not been seen or heard from since Thursday.
Samantha also had not been heard from since Thursday, when her vehicle broke down and her mother gave her a ride, according to police.
When officers arrived, the home was locked. Anthony’s son was eventually able to enter through a window, but officers found interior doors barricaded with a chair.
The master bedroom was also locked, and firefighters assisted police in gaining access.
State Police forensic investigators were called to the scene and collected several firearms as evidence, including a .38 Special revolver, a 9mm handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Boettcher said all of the firearms recovered inside the home belonged to Anthony. He said the shotgun was in Samantha’s possession.
The family’s dog was also found dead inside the residence. Authorities said the coroner’s investigation remains ongoing and toxicology results are pending.
Boettcher said the incident has been difficult for the close-knit borough.
“This is not something they’re used to here,” Boettcher said. “Whether they knew him or not, I think they’re reeling from it, upset that a small town like this could see something like this happen.”
He said the case also highlights the broader mental health crisis.
“Mental health is a major issue in this country right now and Jessup is not immune to that,” Boettcher said.
Gallagher echoed that message, saying people should be willing to talk openly about addiction, mental illness and crises happening within their own families.
“Asking for help is not weakness,” Gallagher said. “Reaching out is not betraying a loved one.”
He said early intervention can potentially protect both the person experiencing a crisis and their family.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.