A teenage boy, aged 16, was able to dial 911 before he succumbed to his gunshot wounds during a murder-suicide event on January 12, 2025. This tragedy, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. in North Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, took the lives of four family members, as reported by Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible.
Upon responding to the emergency call, authorities discovered the bodies of Clifford Hunt Sr., 51, and Michelle Hunt, 48, in their Shaffer Road residence, both dead from gunshot wounds to the head. The couple’s sons, Clifford Jr., 19, and Cody, 16, were transported via helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital in a critical state. They subsequently passed away from their injuries, confirmed Bible.
While investigations are still in progress, initial evidence points towards a murder-suicide, according to Bible. North Sewickley Township Police Chief Jeff Becze stated that the family members, who were known to be enthusiastic hunters, kept numerous firearms in their home. He confirmed this detail from previous interactions with the family where hunting was a common discussion topic.
Authorities suspect that Clifford Jr. fatally shot the three members of his family in the head before turning the gun on himself.
Reports of yelling initially drew more officers to the rural scene, but these sounds were later determined to have originated from the family’s farm animals. The North Sewickley Township Police Department subsequently confirmed that the situation was securely “contained” with no ongoing risk to the public.
“It’s not only one tragedy but it’s four all at the same time, and I can’t imagine how many lives are ruined over this,” said Autumn Ashurst, who had delivered ducks to Michelle Hunt just hours before the tragic event. “She was over the moon about getting ducks. She had a whole spot set up for them.”
The Hunt family was well-known and respected in the community for their commitment to animal care. Ashurst shared that the family was heavily involved in taking care of animals and deeply loved their pets. Following the incident, local farmers banded together to care for the livestock and pets left behind by the family.
Cody Hunt, a junior at Riverside High School, was an active member of the National Honor Society and played the saxophone in the school’s marching band. He had recently acquired his pilot’s license and volunteered at the Air Heritage Aviation Museum alongside his mother, Michelle. The young man had plans to apply to the United States Air Force Academy.
In an online tribute, the Air Heritage Aviation Museum described Michelle Hunt as one of their most committed volunteers, always carrying a positive attitude and exhibiting a strong work ethic. The tribute also highlighted the shared pride between mother and son regarding Cody’s achievements.
David Anney, Superintendent of Riverside School District, announced that grief counselors and therapy dogs would be available to students and staff throughout the month. Furthermore, the district initiated a memorial scholarship in Cody’s name for students interested in aviation careers.
The community has rallied around the tragedy, with a GoFundMe page raising nearly $40,000 for funeral costs. The Air Heritage Museum announced plans for a memorial to honor Michelle and Cody’s contributions to the organization.
District Attorney Bible confirmed that the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to understand the motive behind the tragic event. The Beaver County Medical Examiner’s office anticipates releasing final autopsy reports within 30 days. Meanwhile, investigators are interviewing family, friends, and associates while evidence from the scene is analyzed.
