NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police have identified the two people found shot to death inside a home in Neshannock Township as Jay Todd Fray, 65, and Kathryn Ann Fray, 59, in what investigators say appears to be a murder-suicide. The tragic discovery was made Wednesday morning at a residence along Blair Drive, sending shockwaves through the quiet Lawrence County neighborhood.
According to authorities, Neshannock Township police were dispatched to the home around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday after a concerned family member went to check on the couple. The family member had reportedly been unable to reach either of them for several days. Upon entering the home and finding both individuals deceased, the family member immediately called 911 to report the situation.
Once local officers arrived and recognized the seriousness of the scene, assistance was requested from the Pennsylvania State Police Troop D Major Case Team. State police investigators and forensic personnel responded and took over the investigation. The home was secured as detectives began processing the scene and collecting evidence to determine what had occurred.
Lawrence County Coroner Richard “R.J.” Johnson confirmed the identities of both individuals following post-mortem examinations. The coroner reported that Kathryn Fray died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and her death was ruled a homicide. Jay Fray died from a single gunshot wound to the neck, and his death was ruled a suicide, supporting investigators’ belief that the case was a murder-suicide.
Coroner Johnson said evidence at the scene and the condition of the bodies suggest the shootings likely occurred Sunday afternoon, several days before the couple was discovered. Authorities have not released any information indicating that anyone else was inside the home at the time of the incident, and no additional suspects are being sought.
State police say the investigation remains active as they work to establish a complete timeline and better understand the circumstances leading up to the deaths. Officials have not disclosed what may have motivated the incident, nor have they indicated whether there were any prior domestic-related calls to the residence. Law enforcement remained at the home for several hours Wednesday, carefully documenting the scene and gathering evidence. Police have not confirmed whether a firearm was recovered or provided details about the weapon involved.
