A family in East Lansdowne was devastated on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, when a house fire and gunfire at a Lewis Avenue residence killed five members of the household and a sixth person who has been identified as the suspect. Seventeen-year-old Natalya (also spelled Natayla in some reports) Le, a student at Penn Wood High School, died along with her parents, 40-year-old Xuong Le and 37-year-old Britni McLaughlin-Le, and her siblings, 13-year-old Nakayla and 10-year-old Xavier.

Authorities say the Delaware County District Attorney identified the suspect as the victims’ uncle, Canh Le. Investigators report an argument between Canh Le and 13-year-old Nakayla preceded the suspect retrieving a rifle and shooting family members, then setting the house on fire. The grandparents escaped and called police; when officers arrived the suspect opened fire, injuring two officers. Five family members died of gunshot wounds and Xavier died of smoke inhalation; the suspect also died of a gunshot wound. The motive for the initial argument has not been determined.

Natalya was remembered by classmates as a talented student with a bright future. If anyone has information about the family, the events that led up to February 7, or knew Natalya, please come forward.