On February 7, 2024, an ordinary day in East Lansdowne, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, turned horrific when an argument escalated into a violent act resulting in the death of six family members, including three children, and injuries to two police officers.
Canh Le, 43, allegedly shot and killed his younger brother Xuong Le, 40, along with Xuong’s wife, Britni McLaughlin-Le, 37, and their two daughters Natalya, 17, and Nakayla, 13, according to the local news.
The violent episode continued as Canh Le set their family home on fire, tragically leading to the death of the couple’s youngest child, Xavier, 10, due to smoke inhalation.
Details of the tragic event were provided by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer during a press conference, shedding light on the day filled with shocking violence.
The dispute reportedly started with an argument between Canh Le and his niece Nakayla. Le then retrieved a gun from his bedroom and started shooting.
Stollsteimer stated, “Everyone wants to know why. I don’t think we will ever get an answer. Canh Le took that answer to his grave,” emphasizing the deep sense of loss and the lingering questions left behind.
Upon receiving a report of a girl being shot, first responders, East Lansdowne Police Officer John Meehan, 44, and Lansdowne Police Officer David Schiazza, 54, were immediately met with gunfire from Canh Le, who was shooting from the third floor of the house.
In the ensuing situation, described as far from typical by a SWAT specialist, Meehan sustained an arm injury and Schiazza a leg injury. However, due to the swift response of the Upper Darby Police Department, both officers were rescued under fire and brought to Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt acknowledged the effective use of ballistic shields in the operation.
Both officers, each with 22 years of service, are expected to fully recover following their respective treatments. Schiazza was discharged on Thursday afternoon and Meehan was released after arm surgery on Friday.
The incident concluded with Canh Le taking his own life, leaving his parents, who also lived in the house and survived the incident, in shock.
In 2006, Canh Le was arrested for making terroristic threats, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. He was put in a diversion program, completed community service, and paid a fine.
Stollsteimer expressed sorrow for the loss the family experienced, highlighting the Le’s journey from South Vietnam to build a new life in the United States.
The McLaughlin family, amid their grief, remembered Britni and Xuong’s 17-year marriage, their commitment to their children and community, and their children’s academic, arts, and sports achievements. Expressing their deep loss, the family thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they grieve and seek to honor their loved ones’ legacies.
In honor of the victims, the community has rallied together. A GoFundMe page established to support Britni McLaughlin-Le’s family describes Xuong as “a true gentle soul” and Britni as “a real-life superwoman,” underscoring the depth of their loss. The fundraiser paints a picture of a family committed to each other and their community, now mourned by those they left behind.
In Stollsteimer’s words, this incident is “an absolute, unmitigated tragedy for everybody in this community,” a sentiment shared by all those impacted by the events of that day.
