Community Shaken By Tragic Murder-Suicide in Washington Township
By: Dana Chicklas
Updated: January 24, 2013
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA - Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that former police officer John Fleagle murdered his wife Cathy after shooting her in the back, then injured his step-son Mitchell Robinson, with a shot to the forearm.
"After these shootings occurred, the husband put the gun on himself and shot himself," says Trooper Rob Hicks, Pennsylvania State Police.
Police say after calling 911 around 5 p.m. Mitchell was taken to a Maryland hospital. State police sent crime patrol and forensic units to the scene. Neighbors say the street was quiet.
"In 30 years this is the first time anything like this has happened. It's a very quiet neighborhood with many single families. It's sad like something like this had to happen," says Greg Shaffer, a neighbor.
John was a former police officer for Washington Township Police Department, and Cathy was a current administrator there.
"This homicide-suicide took place in Washington Township's jurisdiction, because of a past affiliation with Mr. Fleagle, and a current affiliation with Mrs. Fleagle, they felt it was best if PSP Chambersburg got involved with the investigation," says Trooper Hicks.
Current employees say their emotions are too raw to speak with WHAG on camera, and Cathy was a beloved official.
"It's a shame you have to resort to drastic measures to calm your problems or troubles," says Shaffer.
Police say the motive in this case is unknown, but the fact that the step-son Mitchell is a witness makes them believe they will learn the facts and solve the case in these killings.
"After these shootings occurred, the husband put the gun on himself and shot himself," says Trooper Rob Hicks, Pennsylvania State Police.
Police say after calling 911 around 5 p.m. Mitchell was taken to a Maryland hospital. State police sent crime patrol and forensic units to the scene. Neighbors say the street was quiet.
"In 30 years this is the first time anything like this has happened. It's a very quiet neighborhood with many single families. It's sad like something like this had to happen," says Greg Shaffer, a neighbor.
John was a former police officer for Washington Township Police Department, and Cathy was a current administrator there.
"This homicide-suicide took place in Washington Township's jurisdiction, because of a past affiliation with Mr. Fleagle, and a current affiliation with Mrs. Fleagle, they felt it was best if PSP Chambersburg got involved with the investigation," says Trooper Hicks.
Current employees say their emotions are too raw to speak with WHAG on camera, and Cathy was a beloved official.
"It's a shame you have to resort to drastic measures to calm your problems or troubles," says Shaffer.
Police say the motive in this case is unknown, but the fact that the step-son Mitchell is a witness makes them believe they will learn the facts and solve the case in these killings.
