A 14-year-old boy is facing murder charges, accused of fatally shooting his mother and 8-year-old brother.
State police in Westmoreland County say Jacob Remaley told them he shot Dana Remaley and Caleb Remaley Wednesday while they were still asleep in their New Stanton home. He also admitted he would have shot his dad, had he been home.
According to state police, Jacob woke up in the morning, retrieved his father’s gun from the kitchen and loaded it. He then shot his mother in the head from close range in her room. He went to his brothers room and shot him in the head from close range.
Afterwards, the teen called 911 and blamed his father for the killings.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacob told 911 operators, “Why didn’t he kill me? I need help.” He hung up the phone, but 911 operators called back and put him in touch with Mutual Aid. At that time, he said he didn’t know why his father had put a gun in his bed.
When Mutual Aid arrived at the home around 7 a.m., they say Jacob told them about the firearm inside. Mutual Aid left the home, due to safety concerns, and went down the street await police.
Before police arrived, Jacob allegedly went back into the home, retrieved the gun. A neighbor saw him, and convinced him to drop the gun.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacob said he was thinking about suicide while speaking with the neighbor.
Police are not yet sure of his motive, but say Jacob did not get along with his parents.
Caleb attended school in the Hempfield Area School District and his mother worked as a personal care assistant in the same district. They will have grief counselors on hand Thursday to help students and staff to cope with the loss.
Jacob faces two counts each of criminal homicide and first-degree murder.