As he jumped from the roof after throwing his children to their deaths, were his last thoughts, "what have I done," as the pavement rushed towards him.
Filicide is arguably one of the most shocking and taboo crimes one can commit. 42-year-old Patrick Lynch did it twice, taking the Iives of his two beautiful young children, before ending his own.
Yesterday, police were called to the sidewalk near the foot of a parking garage in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania at 4:15 p.m on Tuesday, November 3rd.
There is no amount of training that could prepare officers for what they were about to discover.
Lying broken, battered and lifeless on the pavement were the bodies of two small children. Alongside them was the man they believe is responsible for this nightmare.
Officers discovered 6-year-old little Caroline who was lying lifeless and broken next to her big brother, 8-year-old James. Both children had been robbed of not only their future, their right to live, but also their dignity. Their father, 42-year-old Patrick Lynch, the man who had orchestred the entire heartbreaking scene was laying nearby.
Life-saving measures were attempted on both James, Caroline and Patrick. All attempts were unsuccessful, Patrick and his children were pronounced deceased on the scene.
There is very little information available at this time about motive. Mt. Lebanon Chief of Police, Jason Haberman, struggled to hold back tears as he reassured the public that there was no active threat. Chief Haberman announced that although on the surface it appears to be a M/S they are launching a full investigation into the incident.
While gathering information for this story we learned that 6-year-old Caroline was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome as a baby. This is rare genetic condition by the spontaneous deletion of a small piece of chromosome 7. This causes cardiac issues, and even distinct facial features, and mild to moderate learning challenges.
People with Williams syndrome are known for being incredibly friendly, well-spoken with great language skills and acute interests in many subjects, partially music.
However, these individuals experience heightened anxiety, which makes this even more heartbreaking. She knew all too well what was happening.
Caroline also battles heart and lung disease. In the face of such a daunting health prognosis most families would likely feel overwhelmed.
So great was her mother's love though, that she co-founded "Inclusion Collective". This is a non-profit organization which uses its resources supporting children with disabilities.
Somehow, the fact that these children and Patrick seemed like such a loving and supportive family, makes this situation even more shocking. I cannot imagine the horror these children felt as their protector, their shelter from life's storms, betrayed them and left them broken and deceased on the pavement like refuse.
They weren't disposable. They were beautiful young vibrant lives. They could have been and done anything. They could have changed the world. Now we will never know. These children had their future stolen and we had these amazing souls taken from us.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone who was affected by the passing of Caroline and James Lynch and especially their mother Anna Lynch as she attempts to navigate a world she does not recognize. We are certain Patrick left behind traumatized family. Our thoughts are with everyone.
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